When I started researching about ten years ago, I did a lot on the Marshals in the Kansas towns, this is where I ran across a man by the name of Charles G. Bratton, who was a law man, but not a famous one to say the lest. But there was something about him and his short life, that I could not get off my mind. I don’t know if it was the town he came from ( Burlingame ) Kansas which I know quite well as I visited the town many times in my youth, as my family was from the same county. Then it my have been the way he died. But no matter what the reason I couldn’t get him off my mind, so I thought it was time to look more into him and give his story to you.
There is no record on how Charles G. Bratton got from Burlingame, Kansas, to Wichita, Kansas and how he became a policeman in 1871, in Wichita under Marshal Michael Meagher, only that he became one. There is little information on Charles as a policeman in the Wichita papers, he did have at lest one encounter that got his name in the papers.
On November15, 1871, Emil Werner a local saloon keeper filed a letter with the city council protesting the treatment he had received at the hands of the Wichita police force.
The following is his letter:
To his Honor the Mayor & Councilmen of the City of Wichita.
I Emil Werner your petitioner would respectfully beg leave to represent to your Honorable body that on the 25th day of October A. D. 1871, Michael Meagher City Marshal, S. K. Ohmert, Deputy Marshal & Charles Bratton, policemen, Entered my saloon situated on Main Street, No. 17, Wichita, Kansas, and arrested and took from thence a Soldier who was sleeping at one of my tables. In short time they returned and Charles Bratton entered the saloon the other two, Viz: Meagher & Ohment remaining at the door. Bratton spoke to me, telling me, that I would get myself into trouble, selling liquor to men and getting them drunk. I replied that I paid license for selling liquor, and that what I paid to the city helped to pay his salary. He ( Bratton ) without any further provocation struck me with a revolver and knocked me down and before I could get up the others ( Meagher & Ohment ) rushed in, and all three of them struck me with revolvers and sling shots and took me off to the Calaboose, without coat or hat, tearing my shirt off of my back, locking my door and taking possession on my keys.
I was finally released upon the payment of the sum of $5.00 into the City Treasury, together with the costs of suit. Amounting in all to eight dollars. Now therefore I would respectfully request your Honorable Body to examine into these Statements that I have here made, and if you fins them correct & true, to remit & repay the fine & costs imposed upon me, Otherwise to act as in your judgment deem best, and this your Petitioner humbly prays.
Emil Werner.
Charles G. Bratton served four days as a special policeman on the Wichita police force, in February, of 1872. For his work he was paid $8.00 on February 21.
On December 22, 1874, while assisting the city marshal Burlingame to take a drunken butcher to jail, Bratton was stabbed and killed. The following article appeared in the Wichita Eagle, January 7, 1875.
Charley Bratton, a former policeman of Wichita, under Mayor Alien, was brutally murdered at Burlingame last week, by a butcher named Dan Wortz. Wortz was drunk and abusing his wife, Bratton, who was a city officer, interfered, when he was stabbed twice, both wounds being severe enough to produce death. The weapon used was a butcher knife. One stab severed a rib and sank deep into the kidney. Young Bratton was a quiet boy. He came with his parents, when quite a small boy. The murderer is in custody and will go up for life.
Charles G. Bratton was born on September 16, 1848, place unknown, it is belived they came from some where in Pennsylvania, family unknown. Charles died at the age of 25, and is now resting in the Burlingame City Cemetery.
Note. I went through the 1880 census and only found three family’s that were old enough to have been his family. His family may have still been living in Burlingame as it was only six years later and with a little research one may be able to find out. The following family’s were:
John & Cathren Bratton, He was 59, and a farmer.
Geo. & Rebecca Jane Bratton, He was 64, and a Hotel Keeper.
Rev. George Bratton, He was also 64, and could be the same men as above?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
It Was Time For Drinking!
When I was a young man I could bend my elbow with the best of them, lets just say I liked to drink. I always like the older bars for some reason, I think it was the smells and the unexpected thing’s that happen in a small bar, that you didn’t have in your upper class bar. When sitting there with my drink I would some times think what it must have been like in the olden days. Oh the times have changed, but the smells and the unexpected will always stay the same.I know there are a lot of families who are looking into their family’s history and found a family member who was a Saloon ( Bar ) keeper or was a owner of one. But don’t know where it was or if you do you can’t find it’s name, will that’s what the page is all about.
I have listed 43, Saloons, some you will know right off, but there are other not to well known. I have named the keepers and owners when I could, but most will say keepers unknown. That’s not to say there not known I just couldn’t find them at the time. But then why should I have all the fun. The whole idea behind looking into ones family is to have fun and learning something new about your ancestor.
Note. All these Saloon had stories written about them in the Newspapers, or books, be cause of some famous person was in them or some kind happening in or around them.
So with a little research one should be able to find out a lot more about them.
St. Louis Missouri, 1864.
1. Exchange saloon and billiard room, Illinois street, keeper Daniel Bacon.
2. Great Westren saloon, keeper Andrew Kirkpatrick, and a partner by the name of S. R. Squier, corner of Vine and third street.
3. Esterbrook's saloon, in the City Hotel, Keeper Esterbrook .
DAYTON, OHIO, June 26, 1864.
4. Cooper House a saloon, restaurant, and gambling house on Main street south of the Keeper a German by the name of J. V. Nauerth.
HAMILTON, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO, June 20, 1864.
5. Saloon and and billiard room name unknown keeper was Doctor Garver .
Detroit, Mich., 1864.
6. Whipple's saloon and billiard room, keepers unknown.
Louisville Mo., 1864?
7. R. P. League, keeper of a saloon near the Louisville theater, name unkown.
Annapolis, Md., 1863.
8. sutler's saloon, keepers name unkown.
Washington, November 30, 1861?
9. Burch's saloon on Fourteenth street, keepers name unknown.
San Juan, in Washington Territory, 1863.
10. Warbass' saloon, keepers name E. D. Warbass.
Dallas, Texas , 1875.
11. saloon owned by a man named Austin, one evening Doc. Holliday, was gambling in the saloon when Austin, and Holliday got in a argument over a card hand which caused them to fire single bullets at each other. Neither was injured and both parties decided to settle their differences without further gunplay.
Florence, Washington Territory, 1863.
12. Saloon owened by Henry Talbotte, AKA Cherokee Bob, died in the back room of his saloon after instigating and losing a gun fight on New Year's Day.
Wichita, Kansas, 1875.
13. Customs House Saloon keeper unknown, One evening the saloon was cleared when Wyatt Earp's pistol slips out of its holster and discharges when hitting the floor. The bullet passes through the fabric of his coat before going through the ceiling.
Lampasas Texas, 1877.
14. Matador Saloon, keeper unknown, One evening in 1877, a Mr. Merritt Horrell, was shot to death by John Higgins after being accused of tampering with a herd as part of the Horrell-Higgins Feud. Earlier the six Horrell brothers, Ben, John, Mart, Merritt, Sam, and Tom, returned from the Civil War to rustle cattle and cause mayhem in Texas and New Mexico Territory in the 1870s.
Hell Gate, Montana Territory 1864.
15. Cyrus Skinner a saloon keeper, is credited with devising the scheme to murder and rob he Magruder party.
Note. In 1887, Leavenworth, Kansas- had 200 saloons, one for every 30 families.
Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1884.
16. Clifton saloon, keeper unknown.
Tombstone, Arizona Territory, 1882.
17. Bob Hatch's billiards saloon, keeper unkown this is the saloon that Lawman Morgan Earp was shot in the back, He died a few minutes after midnight the next day.
Lampasas, Texas, 1873.
18. Jerry Scott's Matador Saloon, owner Jerry Scott Matador, One evening or day?, Texas Ranger Captain Thomas Williams, accompanied by three officers went to arrest Clinton Barkley, a Texas gunman who was wanted for murder, entered Jerry Scott's Matador Saloon, knowing Barkley and the Horrells (Barkley's brother-in-laws) were inside. The minute Williams and his men stepped through the swinging doors, Barkley, Martin, Tom, and Sam Horrell, along with saloon owner Scott, opened fire with their six-guns. Williams and two of his men dropped to the floor dead while the third deputy returned fire as he backed out of the saloon, his shots wounding Martin and Tom Horrell.
Near Nashville Tenn., 1881.
19. White's Creek Store and Saloon, keeper unknown, A James gang member Bill Ryan stopped in the White's Creek Store and Saloon near Nashville to take shelter from a heavy storm. He became drunk; and disorderly and soon was arrested and taken to the Nashville jail.
Ballinger, Texas, 1878.
20. Senate Saloon, keeper unknown.
Dodge City, Kansas 1879.
21. In the Long Branch Saloon Frank Loving, onetime cowhand and faro dealer, shoots it out with a hide-hunter and gunman named Levi Richardson. Levi fired off 5 rounds, before Frank got one off, and missed all 5 times. When the smoke cleared Frank began squeezing the trigger of his gun with cool deliberation hitting Levi 3 times. A coroner's jury ruled a self defense verdict. Frank was shot dead about a year later in Trinidad, Colorado.
Dodge City, Kansas 1887.
22. In the Peacock Saloon, Marshal Edward Masterson was killed by a drunken cowhand named Jack Wagner as he went to investigate a disturbance at the Lady Gay Dance Hall. His brother Bat was only a little distance away and shot both Jack Wagner and his partner Alf Walker. Wagner and Walker staggered into the Peacock Saloon. Wagoner died the next day while Alf took a month to die.
El Paso, Texas, 1881.
23. Keating's Saloon, keeper unknown.
Flagstaff, Arizona Territory 1881.
23. Black's Saloon, keeper unknown, two mailbags had been taken in a holdup from the Canyon Diablo to Flagstaff Wells Fargo stage. There was $125,000 in gold, silver, and coins in the bags. A U.S. Cavalry detachment killed five suspected bandits near Veit Spring but the loot is not found. In 1913 Short Jimmy McGuire produces some of the stolen coins, but after downing four drinks he dies of a heart attack. The treasure was never found.
Ashland, Kansas, 1885.
24. Junction Saloon, keeper unknown, A gunfight erupts in the during a card game, pitting “Mysterious Dave” Mather, and his brother and bartender Josiah, against David Barnes. David Barnes is killed and two bystanders are wounded. The Mather brothers are arrested and leave town after posting a $3,000 bond.
Caldwell, Kansas, 1880.
25. Red Light saloon and dance hall, keeper unknown, . Frank Hunt was the deputy marshal of this frontier boomtown. On this date, George Flatt, a drunken former lawman was shot to death as he neared a Caldwell restaurant. A man identified as Hunt was seen fleeing the murder scene. Flatt's death was avenged on Oct. 11, 1880, when an unidentified gunman fatally wounded Hunt as he sat near a window at the Red Light saloon and dance hall.
Tombstone, Arizona Territory, 1881.
26. Arcade Saloon, keeper unknown, much of the towns business district, including sixty-six buildings, was destroyed when someone got too close of a barrel of bad whiskey, with a match or cigar, that the proprietor of the Arcade Saloon had set outside to return it to the supplier. The barrel exploded in flames. It was already 100 degrees.
Tombstone, Arizona Territory, 1881.
27. Alhambra saloon, keeper unknown, Judge Spicer issues a warrant for the arrest of Doc Holliday for complicity in the murder of Bud Philpot, and the attempted stage robbery near Contention several months before. Cochise County sheriff John Behan arrests Holliday, who is immediately released on $5,000 bail put up by Wyatt Earp and the proprietors of the Alhambra saloon.
Denver, Colorado, 1886.
28. Kinneavy's Saloon, keeper unknown, burned down.
Caldwell, Kansas 1879.
29. Occidental Saloon, keeper unknown. George Flatt was a lawman in Caldwell and also operated an elegant saloon with William Horseman. On this date Flatt was involved in a shootout after two men, George Wood and Jake Adams, who began firing pistols while drinking at the Occidental Saloon. Constable W.C. Kelly and Deputy John Wilson, accompanied by Flatt and W.H. Kiser, entered the saloon. During the ensuing shootout Flatt killed the two outlaws, while Kiser was grazed in the temple and Wilson was wounded in the wrist.
San Antonio Texas, 1882.
30. Green Front Saloon, owners Jack Harris and Ernest Hart.
Texas 1884.
31. Garner's Saloon, keeper unknown.
San Antonio, Texas 1895.
32. Colombo Saloon, keeper unknown.
Newton, Kansas 1871.
33. Red Front Saloon, keeper unknown.
Ellsworth, Kansas 1873.
34. Brennan's Saloon, keeper unknown.
Newton, Kansas, 1871.
35. Tuttle's Saloon, keeper unknown.
El Paso, Texas 1895.
36. Acme Saloon, keeper unknown.
Hays City, Kansas 1873.
37. Cy Goddard's saloon, keeper unknown.
Hayes City, Kansas 1869.
38. John Bitters' Beer Saloon, keeper unknown, This was a wild town freight and cattle center, and it attracted some of the worst gunmen of the day. One of these was a brutish teamster named Samuel Strawhim who arrived with a half dozen teamsters on this date. He and his friends stormed into John Bitters' Beer Saloon that night and began to wreck the place. A few minutes later Sheriff Wild Bill Hickok, accompanied by Deputy Peter Lanihan, arrived at the saloon and ordered Strawhim to surrender his guns. Strawhim laughed and drew his guns. Wild Bill drew both his 1851 Navy Colts, blasting Strawhim to death. A coroner's jury later stated that the Strawhim shooting was justifiable homicide.
New Mexico Territory, near Fort Stanton.
39. Will Hudgen's saloon, keeper unknown.
Tombstone, Arizona 1880.
40. Oriental Saloon owner Milt Joyce.
New Mexico Territory 1879.
41. Bob Hargrove's saloon, keeper unknown.
Montana 1894.
42. Jew Jake's Saloon, keeper unknown.
California 1881.
43. Jake Harris' saloon, keeper unknown.
They Asked For Relief And Got It.
In today’s world when we hear the word ( Relief ), we automatically think of ( Welfare ), but that wasn’t the case in the old day’s. The Government passed the relief act to help those in need. In the 1700’s & 1800’s money was hard to come by, and work was hard to find and as many families lived far a part and if something was happen they had little or no one to turn to. The relief act was to help those in need, but that didn’t mean all those that asked for relief got it.
The government tried to be fair to all but many would not receive any. Many who asked for help were those that lost something like a husband, father or son in the time of war. In the time of war many would loss something a family member a farm or house or even a horse. Then there were those who lost money or had it taken away from them, even the loss of land for one reason or another. The Government was glad to help as long as what the people was asking was fair and had proof of their loss, the following people asked for relief and got it.
Note. This information and photo’s will come from the many departments of the Library of Congress. If you have any questions on this page or any other at this site, you can find my address in my profile.
Note. The photo's can be enlarged by pushing on them.
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Eliza B. Anderson and Duncan L. Clinch.
Ulysses S. Grant.
APPROVED, March 3, 1863.
The government tried to be fair to all but many would not receive any. Many who asked for help were those that lost something like a husband, father or son in the time of war. In the time of war many would loss something a family member a farm or house or even a horse. Then there were those who lost money or had it taken away from them, even the loss of land for one reason or another. The Government was glad to help as long as what the people was asking was fair and had proof of their loss, the following people asked for relief and got it.
Note. This information and photo’s will come from the many departments of the Library of Congress. If you have any questions on this page or any other at this site, you can find my address in my profile.
Note. The photo's can be enlarged by pushing on them.
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Mary A. Baker and Edward D. Baker.
Chap. CXXXIII. — An Act for the Relief of Mary A. Baker, Widow of Brigadier General Edward D. Baker.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to place the name of Mary A. Baker, widow of Brigadier-General Edward D. Baker, on the pension roll, at the rate of fifty dollars a month, from the twenty-first day of October, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, to continue during her widowhood.
APPROVED, March 3, 1865.
APPROVED, March 3, 1865.
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-------------------------------------------Eliza Berry and Hiram G. Berry.
Chap. CXXXV. — An Act granting a Pension to the Widow of the late Major-General Hiram G. Berry.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the interior be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to place the name of Eliza Berry, widow of Major-General Hiram G. Berry, on the pension roll, at the rate of fifty dollars a month, from the third day of May, anno Domini eighteen hundred and sixty-three, to continue during her widowhood.
APPROVED, March 3, 1865.
APPROVED, March 3, 1865.
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Almira M. Berry and Hiram G. Berry.
CHAP. CXLV. — An Act to amend an Act entitled “An Act granting a Pension to the Widow of the late Major-General Hiram G. Berry.”
Whereas in the act granting a pension to the widow of the late Major General Hiram G. Berry, approved March third, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, said widow is erroneously called Eliza Berry: Therefore, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be authorized and directed to place the name of Almira M. Berry, widow of Major-General Hiram G. Berry, on the pension rolls instead of Eliza Berry, as provided for by the act aforesaid.
APPROVED, June 27, 1866.
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Eliza B. Anderson and Duncan L. Clinch.CHAP. XXXIII. — An Act for the Relief of the Heirs of the late General Duncan L. Clinch, deceased.
WHEREAS Eliza B. Anderson, wife of Major-General Robert Anderson, and daughter and heir-at-law of the late General Duncan L. Clinch, deceased, has an equitable claim, in her own right and to the exclusion of all other heirs of said Clinch, against the Government of the United States, they having released all demands in the premises; and whereas the family of the said Robert Anderson need for their support the amount which she may be entitled to: Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises, and in consideration of the distinguished services of the said Major-General Robert Anderson and his permanent disability: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there be, and hereby is, appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars to Lars Anderson in trust for the exclusive use of the said Eliza B. Anderson during her life time; and any part thereof remaining at her death to be held in trust for her children full satisfaction of the claim against the United States of the said Eliza B. Anderson, for and on account of any demand of the late Duncan L. Clinch, deceased.
APPROVED, March 19, 1868.
APPROVED, March 19, 1868.
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Christina Elder and Alexander B. Elder.
Christina Elder and Alexander B. Elder. CHAP. CVIII. —An Act for the Relief of Christina Elder.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior, is hereby directed to pay to Christina Elder, of the city of New York, the arrears of pension to which Jessie Elder, mother of the said Christina Elder and of Alexander B. Elder, late lieutenant-colonel of the tenth regiment of New York volunteers, would have been entitled, had the certificate of W. T. Otto, acting Secretary of the Interior, countersigned by Joseph H. Barrett, Commissioner of Pensions, and bearing date on the twenty-fifth day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in favor of the said Jessie Elder, been granted in his lifetime.
APPROVED, June 6, 1866.
APPROVED, June 6, 1866.
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Ulysses S. Grant.Chap. CVI. —An Act for the Relief of Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That in the settlement of the accounts with the treasury of Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant, as commissary and regimental quartermaster, fourth infantry, there shall be allowed the said Grant the sum of one thousand dollars, on account of the loss of that amount of public funds in his hands by theft on the night of the sixteenth f June, eighteen hundred and forty-eight, the loss being without neglect or fault on the part of said Grant. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That, if the accounts of the said Grant have been fully settled at the proper accounting office of the treasury, and the said amount of one thousand dollars accounted for, then and in that case there shall be paid to said Grant the sum of one thousand dollars out of any money not otherwise appropriated.
APPROVED, June 17, 1862.
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Marian Mulligan and James A. Mulligan.
Marian Mulligan and James A. Mulligan.CHAP. CXIX. — An Act for the Relief of the Widow and Children of Colonel James A. Mulligan, deceased.
Whereas James A. Mulligan on the fifteenth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, was mustered into the service of the United States as colonel of the twenty-third Illinois infantry, known as the “ Irish brigade,” marched to the front in July, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, and from that time, (excepting two months when a prisoner of war,) was actively engaged in the military service of the republic against armed rebels until he fell on the battle-field of Winchester, the twenty-sixth day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-four; and whereas during two years of that military service he was assigned to the command of brigades and divisions, and performed the duties of brigadier and major general, but received only the pay of a colonel; and whereas the widow and children of the said Colonel James A. Mulligan are justly entitled to, and need for their support, the amount of pay which he would have received if he had been commissioned according to his respective commands in the field: Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and is hereby, directed to pay to Marian Mulligan, widow of said Colonel James A. Mulligan, the sum of five thousand dollars, to be paid out of the money appropriated for the pay of the army.
APPROVED, July 3, 1868.
APPROVED, July 3, 1868.
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Mrs. Frances S. Richardson and I. B. Richardson.
Mrs. Frances S. Richardson and I. B. Richardson. CHAP. XVIII. — An Act for the Relief of the Heirs of the late Major- General I. B. Richardson, deceased.
Be it enacted by the Senate and Rouse of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of four hundred dollars to Mrs. Frances S. Richardson, widow of the late Major-General I. B. Richardson, deceased, in trust for Israel P. Richardson, minor child and heir of said Richardson, deceased; the same being in full compensation for one mule and four horses stolen from deceased in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-two by the Apache Indians, while he was on duty in New Mexico as an officer of the United States army.
APPROVED, March 2, 1868.
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CHAP. CCXXXI. — An Act granting an Increase of Pension to Frances T. Richardson, Widow of the lute Major-General Israel B. Richardson.
Be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, teal Ito is hereby, authorized and directed to place on the pension roll the name of Frances T. Richardson, widow of the late Major-General Israel B. Richardson, for pension at the rate of fifty dollars per month from the third day of November, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, on which day General Richardson died from wounds received in the battle of Antietam on the seventeenth day of September, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, said pension to be continued during her widowhood, and if that should terminate, then to be continued to Israel Philip Richardson, sole surviving child of said General Richardson, until he shall become sixteen years old. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the pension heretofore allowed to said Frances T. Richardson, under general law, be discontinued, but the sum received by her under the same shall be deducted from the pension hereby granted, and this pension shall be subject to the provisions of the general pension law.
APPROVED, July 23, 1868.
APPROVED, March 2, 1868.
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CHAP. CCXXXI. — An Act granting an Increase of Pension to Frances T. Richardson, Widow of the lute Major-General Israel B. Richardson.
Be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, teal Ito is hereby, authorized and directed to place on the pension roll the name of Frances T. Richardson, widow of the late Major-General Israel B. Richardson, for pension at the rate of fifty dollars per month from the third day of November, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, on which day General Richardson died from wounds received in the battle of Antietam on the seventeenth day of September, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, said pension to be continued during her widowhood, and if that should terminate, then to be continued to Israel Philip Richardson, sole surviving child of said General Richardson, until he shall become sixteen years old. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the pension heretofore allowed to said Frances T. Richardson, under general law, be discontinued, but the sum received by her under the same shall be deducted from the pension hereby granted, and this pension shall be subject to the provisions of the general pension law.
APPROVED, July 23, 1868.
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Fanny Mactier Smith and Charles Ferguson Smith.
Gen. Charles F. Smith, Died: April 25, 1862 of a foot infection he got in jumping from one boat to another in opening stages of Shiloh Campaign.
CHAP. CLXII. — An Act for the Relief of Fanny Mactier Smith.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, authorized and required to place the name of Fanny Mactier Smith, widow of the late Major General Charles Ferguson Smith, of the United States army, on the pension roll, at the rate of fifty dollars per month, from the first day of May, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for and during her widowhood.
APPROVED, July 12, 1862.
States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, authorized and required to place the name of Fanny Mactier Smith, widow of the late Major General Charles Ferguson Smith, of the United States army, on the pension roll, at the rate of fifty dollars per month, from the first day of May, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, for and during her widowhood.
APPROVED, July 12, 1862.
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Margaret L. Stevens and Isaac I. Stevens.
CRAP. CXXVIII. — An Act for the Relief of Margaret L. Stevens, Widow of Brigadier General Isaac L. Stevens.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to place the name of Margaret L. Stevens, widow of Brigadier-General Isaac I. Stevens, on the pension roll, at the rate of fifty dollars a month from the first day of September, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, to Continue during her widowhood.APPROVED, March 3, 1863.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Their Meritorious Services.
I have done a lot of pages on the Civil War, and have written lot about the men that has serviced in it, and that’s all and good but what did they look like? I know I some times wonder what they look like. So I decided to do a page on some men that got promotions for their meritorious services and with the information there will be a photo of him. Keep in mind some of these photo’s may have been taken years after his services.
Note. This information and photo’s will come from the many departments of the Library of Congress and the official recorders of the Union and Confederate Armies which is housed at the State University of Ohio.
Samuel H. Starr, New Jersey 5th. Infantry.
PROMOTIONS.
Second Regiment of Cavalry.
Brevet Second Lieutenant Samuel H. Starr to be second lieutenant, July 13, 1848.
PROMOTIONS.
Second Regiment of Dragoons.
Second Lieutenant Samuel H. Starr to be first lieutenant, November 10, 1851.
PROMOTIONS.
Second Regiment of Dragoons.
First Lieutenant Samuel H. Starr to be captain, June 14, 1858.
War Department,Washington, March 7, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to propose for your approbation the following-named officers for promotion by brevet in the Army of the United States:
Second Regiment of Cavalry.
Captain Samuel H. Starr, Second Regiment, of Cavalry, to be major by brevet, July 1, 1862, for meritorious services during the Peninsula campaign.
Second Regiment of Cavalry.
Major Samuel H. Starr, of the Sixth Regiment United States Cavalry, to be major by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, to date from May 4, 1862; and robe lieutenant-colonel by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services in action at Upperville, Virginia, to date from June 21, 1863; and to be lieutenant-colonel by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services in the Gettysburg campaign, to date from July 2, 1863.
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-------------------------------------------Colonel William W. Averill.
3rd. Pennsylvania Cavalry, and staff.
Photo. Westover landing Virginia.
War Department,Washington, March 7, 1863.
Captain W. W. Averill, Third Regiment of Cavalry, to be captain by brevet, May 4, 1862, and major by brevet, May 5, 1862, for gallant and distinguished conduct at the liege of Yorktown and in the battles of Williamsburg and Malvern Hill.
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Note. To make the pictures larger just push on them.
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----------------------------------------Photo. 1862, Vicinity of Fair Oaks Virginia.
Left to Right, Lt. Robert Clarke, Capt. Jofn C. Tisall.
Lt. William N. Dennsion and Capt. Alexander C. M. Pennington.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
Second Lieutenant William N. Dennison to be first lieutenant, November 12, 1861.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
First Lieutenant William N. Dennison, 2d Regiment of Artillery, to be captain by brevet, June 27, 1862, and to be major by brevet, July 1, 1862, for meritorious and distinguished Services at the battles of New Bridge, Gaines' Mill, and Malvern Hill.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
First Lieutenant William N. Dennison to be captain, January 3, 1867.
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-------------------------------------Winfield S. Hancock.
Between 1860-65.
Brevet second lieutenants attached to the infantry arm.
THURSDAY, January 16, 1845.
Cadet Winfield S. Hancock, of Pennsylvania.
Sixth Regiment of Infantry.
August 7, 1846.
Brevet Second Lieutenant Winfield S. Hancock to be second lieutenant, June 18, 1846.
Sixth Regiment of Infantry.
February 1, 1853.
Sixth Regiment of Infantry.
Second Lieutenant Winfield S. Hancock to be first lieutenant, January 27, 1853.
APPOINTMENTS MADE IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE CALLED INTO SERVICE UNDER THE ACTS APPROVED JULY 22 AND 24, 1861.
Captain Winfield S. Hancock, assistant quartermaster, to be brigadier-general, September 23, 1861.
Quartermaster's Department.
March 7, 1863.
Captain Winfield S. Hancock, assistant quartermaster, to be major by brevet, May 4, 1862, to be lieutenant-colonel by brevet, May 5, 1862, and to be colonel by brevet, June 27, 1862, for meritorious services at the siege of Yorktown, and distinguished conduct at the battles of Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, and White Oak Swamp.
Quartermaster's Department.
February 12, 1864.
Captain Winfield S. Hancock, assistant quartermaster, to be quartermaster with the rank of major, November 30, 1863.
War Department,Washington, April 10, 1866.
Brigadier-General Winfield S. Hancock, of the United States Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Spottsylvania, Va., to date from March 13, 1865.
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----------------------------------Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862. Standing, left to right: Lt. Edmund Pendleton, Lt. Alex C. M. Pennington, Capt. Henry Benson, Capt, H. M. Gibson, Lt. James E. Wilson, Capt. John C. Tidball, Lt. William N. Dennison. Seated, left to right: Capt. Horatio Gibson, Lt. Peter C. Hains, Lt. Col. William Hays, Capt. James M. Robertson, Lt. J. W. Barlow. Seated on the ground, left to right: Lt. Robert H. Chapin, Lt. Robert Clarke, A.C. Vincent.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
Second Lieutenant William Hays to be first lieutenant, March 3, 1847.
List of officers for brevet promotion for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, Mexico, August 20, 1847, to rank from that day.
April 12, 1848.
First Lieutenant Willam Hays, 2d Artillery, to be captain by brevet.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
January 11, 1854.
First Lieutenant William Hays to be captain, October 8, 1853.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
February 25, 1863.
Captain William Hays, 2d Regiment of Artillery, to be major by brevet, May 4, 1862; to be lieutenant-colonel by brevet, May 5, 1862, for meritorious and distinguished services at the siege of Yorktown and at the battles of Williamsburg and Malvern Hill.
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--------------------------------------Photo, Cumberland Landing, Virginia. Seated: Left to right, Generals, Andrew A. Humphreys, Henry Slocum, Wm B. Franklin, Wm F. Barry and John Newton. Officers standing unknown.
Appointments.
December 7, 1831.
Cadet Andrew A. Humphreys to be br. 2nd lt. 2d Reg't of Art'y 1 July, 1831.
PROMOTIONS IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES.
14th July, 1832.
Second Regiment of Artillery.
Br. 2d Lieut. Andrew A. Humphreys to be 2d lieut, to take rank 1st July, 1831.
PROMOTIONS.
June 14, 1848.
Corps of Topographical Engineers.
First Lieutenant Andrew A. Humphreys to be captain, May 31, 1848.
Corps of Topographical Engineers.
August 6, 1861.
Captain Andrew A. Humphreys to be major, August 6, 1861.
Brevet Colonel Andrew A. Humphreys, of the United States Army, and lieutenant-colonel of the Corps of Engineers, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., to date from March 13, 1865.
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Note. I know I have just given general information here, but there are many battle and field reports on most of these men. If you would like a report, you can find my address in my profile, I will be happy to hear from one and all.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby
I'm going to try do something new " Well at lest it is new to me." From time to time I will add a photo to go along with the report or story, this will be my first try. I have chosen Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby, I found him a very interesting man, I hope you well enjoy reading his reports on his battles.Note. this information and photo comes from the official recorders of the Union and Confederate Armies which is housed at the State University of Ohio.
Report of Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion.
SEPTEMBER 11, 1864.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit for the information of the commanding general the following brief report of the operations of this command since the 1st day March last:+
About May 1, with a party of ten men, I captured 8 of Sigel's wagons near Bunker Hill, in the Valley, but was only able to bring off the horses attached (34 in number) and about 20 prisoners. The horses and prisoners were sent back, while with another detachment of twenty men who had joined me I proceeded to Martinsburg, which place we entered that night, while occupied by several hundred Federal troops, and brought off 15 horses and several prisoners.
Returning to my command I learned that Grant had crossed the Rapidan. With about forty men I moved down the north bank of the Rappahannock to assail his communications wherever opened, and sent to other detachments, under Captains Richards and Chapman, to embarrass Sigel as much as possible. Captain Richards had a skirmish near Winchester (then the enemy's rear), in which several of them were killed and wounded. Captain Chapman attacked a wagon train which was heavily guarded near Strasburg, capturing about 30 prisoners with an equal number of horses, &c. Near Belle Plain, in King George, I captured an ambulance train and brought off about 75 horses and mules, 40 prisoners, &c.
A few day after I made a second attempt near the same place, but discovered that my late attack had caused them to detach such a heavy force to guard their trains and line of communications that another successful attack on them was impracticable.
About May 10 I attacked a cavalry outpost in the vicinity of Front Royal, capturing 1 captain and 15 men and 75 horses, and sustained no loss.
About May 20, with about 150 men, I moved to the vicinity of Strasburg with the view of capturing the wagon trains of General Hunter, who had then moved up the Valley. When the train appeared I discovered that it was guarded by about 600 infantry and 100 cavalry. A slight skirmish ensued between their cavalry and a part of my command, in which their cavalry was routed with a loss of 8 prisoners and horses, besides several killed, but falling back on their infantry my men in turn fell back with a loss of 1 killed. While we did not capture the train, one great object had been accomplished - the detachment of a heavy force to guard their communications. After the above affair only one wagon train ever went up to Hunter, which was still more heavily guarded. He then gave up his line of communication.
After the withdrawal of the enemy's forces from Northern Virginia for several weeks but few opportunities were offered for any successful incursions upon them. Many enterprises on a small scale were, however, undertaken by detachments of the command, of which no note has been taken.
About June 20 moved into Fairfax and routed a body of cavalry near Centerville, killing and wounded 6 or 8 and capturing 31 prisoners, securing their horses, &c.
A few days afterward we took Duffield's Depot, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; secured about 50 prisoners, including 2 lieutenants, and a large amount of stores. The train had passed a few minutes before we reached the place. On my way there I had left Lieutenant Nelson, commanding Company A, at Charlestown for the purpose of intercepting and notifying me of any approach in my rear from harper's Ferry. As I had anticipated, a body of cavalry, largely superior in numbers to his force, moved out from that point. Lieutenant Nelson gallantly charged and routed them, killing and wounding several and taking 19 prisoners and 27 horses. We sustained no loss on this expedition.
On July 4, reaching of General Early's movement down the Valley, I moved with my command east of the Blue Ridge for the purpose of co-operating with him, and crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks,
driving out the garrison (250 men, strongly fortified) and securing several prisoners and horses. As I supposed it to be General Early's intention to invest Maryland Heights, I thought the best service I could render would be to sever all communications both by railroad and telegraph between that point and Washington, which I did, keeping it suspended for two days.
As this was the first occasion on which I had used artillery, the magnitude of the invasion was greatly exaggerated by the fears of the enemy, and panic and alarm spread through their territory. I desire especially to bring to the notice of the commanding general the unsurpassed gallantry displayed by Captain Richards, commanding First Squadron. Our crossing was opposed by a body of infantry stationed on the Maryland shore. Dismounting a number a sharpshooters, whom I directed to wade the river above the point held by the enemy, I superintended in person the placing of my piece of artillery in position, at the same time directing Captain Richards, whenever the enemy had been dislodged by the sharpshooters and artillery, to charge across the river in order to effect their capture. The enemy were soon routed and Captain Richards charged over, but before he could overtake them they had retreated across the canal, pulling up the bridge in their rear. My order had not, of course, contemplated their pursuit their fortifications, but the destruction of the bridge was no obstacle to his impetuous valor, and hastily dismounting and throwing down a few planks on the sills, he charged across under a heavy fire from a redoubt. The enemy fled panic-stricken, leaving in our possession their camps, equipage, &c.
Captain Richards has on this, as well as many other occasions, shown himself worthy to wear the honor bestowed upon him by the Government when, disregarding the rule of seniority, it promoted him for valor and skill to the position whose duties he so ably discharges.
On the morning of July 6, while still encamped near the Potomac, information was received that a considerable force a cavalry was at Leesburg. I immediately hastened to meet them. At Leesburg I learned that they had gone toward Aldie, and I accordingly moved on the road to Ball's Mill in order to intercept them returning to their camp in Fairfax, which I succeeded in doing, meeting them at Mount Zion Church and completely routing them, with a loss of about 80 of their officers and men left dead and severely wounded on the field, besides 57 prisoners. Their loss includes a captain and lieutenant killed, and 1 Lieutenant severely wounded; the major commanding and 2 lieutenants prisoners. We also secured all their horses, arms, &c.
My loss was 1 killed and 6 wounded - none dangerously.
After this affair the enemy never ventured in two months after the experiment of another raid through that portion of our district.
A few days afterward I again crossed the Potomac, in co-operation with General Early, and moved through Poolesville, Md., for the purpose of capturing a body of cavalry encamped near Seneca. They retreated, however, before we reached there, leaving all their camp equipage and a considerable amount of stores. We also captured 30 head of beef-cattle.
When General Early fell back from before Washington I recrossed the Potomac near Seneca, moving thence to the Little River pike in order to protect him from any movement up the south side of the river. The enemy moved through Leesburg in pursuit of General Early and occupied Ashby's and snicker's Gaps. I distributed command so as most effectually to protect the country. These detachments - under Captains Richards and Chapman and Lieutenants Glascock, Nelson, and Hatcher - while they kept the enemy confined to the main thoroughfares and restrained their ravages, killed and captured about 300, securing their horses, &c. My own attention was principally directed to ascertaining the numbers and movements of the enemy and forwarding the information to General Early, who was then in the Valley.
At the time of the second invasion of Maryland by General Early I moved my command to the Potomac, crossed over three companies at Cheek's and Noland's Fords, while the remaining portion was kept in reserve on this side with the artillery, which was posted on the south bank to keep open the fords, keeping one company (B), under Lieutenant Williams, near the ford on the north bank. Two were sent under Lieutenant Nelson to Adamstown, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, for the purpose of intercepting the train from Baltimore, destroying their communications, &c. Apprehending a movement up the river from a considerable body of cavalry which I knew to be stationed below, I remained with a portion of the command guarding the fords. Lieutenant Nelson reached the road a few minutes too late to capture the train, but destroyed two telegraph lines. On his return he met a force of the enemy's cavalry near Monocacy, which was charged and routed by the gallant Lieutenant Hatcher, who took about 15 men and horses, besides killing and wounding several.
We recrossed the river in the evening, bringing about 75 horses and between 20 and 30 prisoners.
Our loss, 2 missing.*
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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Numbers 2. Report of Captain John S. Mosby, Virginia Cavalry.
FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA.,
February 4, 1863.
GENERAL: I arrived in this neigh boyhood about one week ago. Since then I have been, despite the bad weather, quite actively engaged with the enemy. The result up to this time has been the captured of 28 Yankee cavalry, together with all their horses, arms, &c. The evidence of parole I forward with this. I have also paroled a number of deserters. Colonel Sir Percy Wyndham, with over 200 cavalry, came up to Middleburg last week to punish me, as he said, for my raids on his picket line. I had a sling skirmish with him, in which my loss was 3 men, captured by the falling of their horses; the enemy's loss, 1 man and 3 horses captured. He set a very nice trap a few days ago to catch me in. i went into it, but, contrary to the colonel's expectations, brought the trap off with me, killed 1, capturing 12, the balance running. The extent of the annoyance I have been to the Yankees may be judged of by the fact that, baffled in their attempts to capture me, they threaten to retaliate on citizens for my acts.
I forward to you some correspondence I have had on the subject. The most of the infantry have left Fairfax and gone toward Fredericksburg. In Fairfax there are five of six regiments of cavalry; there are about 300 at Dranesville. They are so isolated from the rest of the command that nothing would be easier than their captured. I have harassed them so much that they do not keep their pickets over half a mile from camp.
There is no artillery there. I start on another trip day after to-morrow.
I am, most respectfully, your, &c.,
JNO. S. MOSBY.
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JANUARY 1, 1864. - Skirmish at Rectortown, Va.
Report of Major John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia, Cavalry Battalion.
JANUARY 4, 1864,
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that during the month of December there were captured by this command over 100 horses and mules and about 100 prisoners. A considerable number of the enemy have also been killed and wounded. It would be too tedious to mention the various occasions on which we have met the enemy, but there is one which justice to a brave officer demands to be noticed. On the morning of January 1, I received information that a body of the enemy's cavalry were in Upperville. IT being the day on which my command was to assemble, I directed Captain William R. Smith to take command of the men while I went toward Upperville to ascertain the movements of the enemy. In the mean time the enemy had gone on toward Rectortown, and I pursued, but come up just as Captain Smith with about 35 men had attacked and routed them (78 strong), killing wounded, and capturing 57.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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Numbers 4. Report of Major John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion, including skirmish, January 10, at Loudoun Heights.
FEBRUARY 1, 1864.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following reported of the operations of this command since rendering my report of January 4;
On Wednesday, January 6, having previously reconnoitered in person the position of the enemy, I directed Lieutenant Turner, with a detachment of about 30 men, to attack an outpost of the enemy in the vicinity of Warrenton, which he did successfully, routing a superior force of the enemy, killing and wounding several, and capturing 18 prisoners and 45 horses, with arms, equipments, &c.
On Saturday, January 9, having learned through Frank Stringfellow (a scout of General Stuart) that Cole's (Maryland) cavalry was encamped on Loudoun Heights with no support but infantry, which was about one-half mile off, I left Upperville with about 100 men in hopes of being able to completely surprise his camp by a night attack. By marching my command by file along a narrow path I succeeded in gaining a position in rear of the enemy between their camp and the ferry. On reaching this point without creating any alarm I deemed that the crisis had passed and the capture of the camp of the enemy a certainty. I had exact information up to dark of that evening of the number of the enemy (which was between 175 and 200), the position of their headquarters, &c. When within 200 yards of the camp I sent Stringfellow on ahead with about 10 men to capture Major Cole and staff, whose headquarters were in a house about 100 yards from their camp, while I halted to close up my command. The camp was buried in profound sleep; there was not a sentinel awake. All my plans were on the eve of consummation when suddenly the party sent with Stringfellow came dashing over the hill toward the camp yelling and shooting. They had made no attempt to secure Cole. Mistaking them for the enemy, I ordered my men to charge.
In the mean time the enemy had taken the alarm and received us with a volley from their carbines. A severe fight ensued, in which they were driven from their camp, but taking refuge in the surrounding houses kept up a desultory firing. Confusion and delay having ensued from the derangement of my plans, consequent on the alarm given to the enemy, rendered it hazardous, to continue in my position, as re-enforcements were near the enemy. Accordingly I ordered the men to retire, which was done in good order, bringing off 6 prisoners and between 50 and 60 horses.
My loss was severe;more so in the worth than the number of the slain. It was 4 killed, 7 wounded (of whom 4 have since died), and 13 wounded. Among those who fell on this occasion were Captain William R. Smith and Lieutenant Turner, two of the noblest and bravest officers of this army, who thus sealed a life of devotion and of sacrifice to the cause that they loved.
In numerous other affairs with the enemy between 75 and 100 horses and mules have been captured, about 40 men killed, wounded, and captured. A party of this command also threw one of the enemy's trains off the track, causing a great smash-up.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY
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Numbers 2. Report of Captain John S. Mosby, Virginia Cavalry.
NEAR PIEDMONT, VA.,
March 18, 1863.
GENERAL: Yesterday I attacked a body of the enemy's cavalry at Herndon Station, in Fairfax County, completely routing them. I brought off 25 prisoners-a major (Wells), 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 21 men, all their arms, 26 horses and equipments. One, severely wounded, was left on the ground. The enemy pursued me in force but, were checked by my rear guard, and gave up the pursuit. My loss was nothing.
The enemy have moved their cavalry from Germantown back of Fairfax Court-House, on the Alexandria pike.
In this affair my officers and men behaved splendidly.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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Numbers 3. Report of Captain John S. Mosby, Virginia Cavalry, including operations March 16-April 1.
FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA., April 7, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the cavalry under my command since rendering my last report:
On Monday, March 16, I proceeded down the Little River pike to capture two outposts of the enemy, each numbering 60 or 70 men. I did not succeed in gaining their rear, as I expected and only captured 4 or 5 vedettes. It being late in the evening, and our horses very much jaded, I concluded to return. I had gone not over a mile back when we saw a large body of the enemy's cavalry, which according to their own reports, numbered 200 men, rapidly pursuing. I feigned a retreat, desiring to draw then off from their camps. At a point where the enemy had blockaded the road with fallen trees I formed to receive them, for with my knowledge of the Yankee character I knew they would imagine themselves fallen into an ambuscade. When they had come within 100 yards of me, I ordered a charge, to which my men responded with a vim that swept everything before them. The Yankees broke when we got within 75 yards of them, and it was more of a chase than a fight for 4 or 5 miles. We killed 5, wounded a considerable number and brought off 1 lieutenant and 35 men prisoners. I did not have over 50 men with me, some having gone back with the prisoners and others having gone on ahead when we started back, not anticipating any pursuit.
On Monday, March 31, I went down in the direction of Dranesville to capture several strong outposts in the vicinity of that place. On reaching there, I discovered that they had fallen back about 10 miles down the Alexandria pike. I then returned 6 or 8 miles back, and stopped about 10 o'clock at night at a point about 2 miles from the pike.
Early the next morning of my men, whom I had left over on the Leesburg pike, came dashing in, and announced the rapid approach of the enemy. But he had scarcely given us the information when the enemy appeared a few hundred yards off, coming up at a gallop. At this time our horses were eating; all had their bridles off, and some even their saddles; they were all tied in a barn-yard. Throwing open the gate, I ordered a counter-charge, to which the men promptly responded. The Yankees, never dreaming of our assuming the offensive, terrified at the yells of the men as they dashed on, broke and fled in every direction. We drove them in confusion 7 or 8 miles down the pike. We left on the field 9 of them killed, among them a captain and lieutenant, and about 15 too badly wounded for removal; in this lot 2 lieutenants. We brought off 82 prisoners, many of these also wounded.
I have since visited the scene of the fight. The enemy sent up a flag of truce for their dead and wounded, but many of them being severely wounded, they established a hospital on the ground. The surgeon who attended them informs me that a great number of those who escaped were wounded.
The force of the enemy was six companies of the First Vermont Cavalry one of their oldest and best regiments, and the prisoners inform me that they had every available man with them. There were certainly not less than 200; the prisoners say it was more than that. I had about 65 men in this affair. In addition to the prisoners, we took all their arms and about 100 horses and equipments.
Privates Hart, Hurst, Keyes, and Davis were wounded. The latter has since died. Both on this and several other occasions they have borne themselves with conspicuous gallantry. In addition those mentioned above, I desire to place on record the names of several others, whose promptitude and boldness in closing in with the enemy contributed much to the success of the fight; they are Lieutenant [William H.] Chapman (late of Dixie Artillery), Sergeant Hunter, and Privates Wellington, and Harry Hatcher, Turner, Wild, Sowers, Ames, and Sibert. There are many others, I have no doubt, deserving of honorable mention, but the above are only those who came under my personal observation.
I confess that on this occasion I had not taken sufficient precautions to guard against surprise. It was 10 [o'clock] at night when I reached the place where the fight came off on the succeeding day. We had ridden through snow and upward of 40 miles, and both men and horses were nearly broken down; besides, the enemy had fallen back a distance of about 18 miles.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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Numbers 3. Reported of Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion.
FEBRUARY 21, 1864.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that about 8 o'clock yesterday morning, on being informed that a large body of the enemy's cavalry were in Upperville, I took immediate steps to be prepared to meet them. The enemy proceeded some distance along the pike toward Piedmont, when they started back. I did all in my power to retard my men time to collect. After getting between 50 and 60 together i attacked them about 12 miles beyond Upperville. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which we repulsed them in three distinct charges and drove their sharpshooters from a very strong position behind a stone wall. They fled in the direction of Harper's Ferry. We pursued them about 2 miles. They were enabled to cover their retreat by means of their numerous carbineers posted behind stone fences. As my men had nothing but pistols, with only a few exceptions, I was compelled to make flank movements in order to dislodge them, which, of course, checked a vigorous pursuit. Citizens who counted the enemy inform me that they numbered 250 men, under command of Major Cole. They left 6 of their dead on the field, among them 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 7 men prisoners; also, horses, army equipments, &c. The road over which they retreated was strewn with abandoned hats, haversacks, &c. They left 6 of their dead on the field, among them 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 7 men prisoners; also, horses, army equipments, &c. The road over which they retreated was strewn with abandoned hats, haversacks, 7c. They impressed wagons to carry off their wounded.
While all acted well, with but few exceptions, it is a source of great pride to bring to your notice the names of some whose conspicuous gallantry renders their mention both a duty and a pleasure. They are Captain and Lieutenant Chapman, Lieutenants Fox, Richards, Sergeants Palmer, Lavender, and Privates Munson, Edmons, Montjoy, Starke, and Cunningham. My loss was 2 wounded.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY.
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Numbers 2. Report of Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby, Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion.
FEBRUARY 23, 1864.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that about 11 o'clock on the 21st instant, having learned that a body of 180 of the enemy's cavalry were on a raiding expedition in the vicinity of Middleburg, I started in pursuit with about 160 men. On reaching Middleburg I found they had gone toward Leesburg via Mountville, and that they had come from Vienna, in Fairfax. Directing Captains Chapman, whom I left in command, to move down Goose Creek near to Ball's Mill, I went with a small squad to reconnoiter in person. On reaching Leesburg I discovered they had taken the Dranesville pike. After going about 6 miles in this direction they went into camp about 2 o'clock at night.
In the mean time i had ordered my command to Guilford Station, in order to keep pace with their movements and to be in a position to intercept them. After having ascertained where had encamped I moved my command out to the pike about 2 miles from Dranesville, at a point offering fine natural advantages for surprising an enemy. Distributing the different companies in positions where I could attack their front, flank, and rear simultaneously, we awaited the approach of the enemy. Soon the concerted signal-a volley from the carbineers under Montjoy--announced the time for attack. With a terrific yell, Chapman, Hunter, and Williams, with their brave commands, dashed on the unsuspecting Yankees. Surprised and confounded, with no time to form, they made but feeble resistance, and were perfectly overwhelmed by the shock of the charge. They fled in every direction in the wildest confusion, leaving on the field at least 15 killed and a considerable number wounded, besides 70 prisoners in our hands, with all their horses, arms, and equipments. Among their killed was the captain commanding. A captain and 2 lieutenants are among the prisoners, who belong to the California Battalion. Many of them were also driven into the Potomac. The gallantry of both my officers and men was unsurpassed.
My loss was 1 man killed and 4 wounded; none dangerously.
My thanks are due Captain Chapman and Lieutenants Williams and Hunter and Adjutant Chapman for their fidelity in executing every order.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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OCTOBER 26, 1863.-Attack on Union Wagon Train near New Baltimore, Va.
Report of Major John S. Mosby, C. S. Army.
FAUQUIER COUNTY, October 27, 1863.
GENERAL: Last night I attacked a long wagon train of the enemy, hauling stores for the army at Warrenton from their depot of supplies at Gainesville. The point of attack was about the center of the train (which had a heavy guard of cavalry, artillery, and infantry both in front and rear), on the pike, about 2 miles from New Baltimore and Warrenton, where there are large Yankee camps
After unhitching the teams of from 40 to 50 wagons, I started them off under charge of Lieutenant Turner, remaining behind himself with a few men with the intention of burning the wagons. A force of Federal cavalry appearing, prevented the accomplishment of my purpose. We succeeded in bringing off 145 horses and mules, and upward of 30 negroes and Yankees (among them 1 captain), to a place of safety. Many of the captured animals were lost on the night march, but I have sent out a party which I am in hopes will succeed in recovering some of them. I sent over to you yesterday 6 cavalry-men whom I captured near Manassas. In the affair of the wagons I had 50 men.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
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NOVEMBER 5-22, 1863.-Mosby's Operations in Virginia.
Report of Major John S. Mosby, commanding Forty-third Virginia Cavalry Battalion.
HDQRS. FORTY-THIRD VIRGINIA CAVALRY BATTALION, November 22, 1863.
GENERAL: Since rendering my report of the 5th instant, we have captured about 75 of the enemy's cavalry, over 100 horses and mules, 6 wagons, a considerable number of arms, equipments, &c.
It would be too tedious to mention in detail the various the performance of a pleasing duty if I failed to bring to your notice the bold onset of Captain Smith, when, with only about 40 men, he dashed into the enemy's camp of 150 cavalry, near Warrenton, killed some 8 or 10, wounded a number, and brought off 9 prisoners, 27 horses, arms, equipments, &c. In various other affairs several of the enemy have been killed and wounded. I have sustained no loss. Captain Chapman and Lieutenant Turner, commanding their respective companies, have rendered efficient services.
Gregg's cavalry division now guards their rear, being distributed along the road leading from Bealeton to Warrenton, and thence to the Sulphur Springs. It is very difficult to do anything on the railroad as they have sentinels stationed all along of each other, in addition to the guards on each train. Rest assured that if there is any chance of effecting anything there, it will be done.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY
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No. 3. Reports of Major John S. Mosby, C. S. Army.
FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA.,
July 28, 1863.
GENERAL: I send you, in charge of Sergeant [F.] Beattie, 141 prisoners, which we captured from the enemy during their march through this county. I also sent off 45 several days ago; included in the number, 1 major, a captain, a surgeon, and 2 lieutenants. I also captured 123 horses and mules, 12 wagons (only 3 of which I was able to destroy), 50 sets of fine harness, arms, &c.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. S. MOSBY,
Monday, December 08, 2008
They Went To The Penitentiary 1861-1865.
War is for fighting in what one believes is right, like honor and country , you know the things that stories are written about. But there were men that used the war as a cover for their criminal activities. When one goes looking for ones ancestors he or she may run into a surprises or two, but when one looks into their family past one should not be surprises to find a black sheep now and then. But no matter how one feels about finding these things out it’s part of ones family’s past and should not be left out of it’s history, for by doing so ones family’s history would be incomplete.
Note. The following information will not be in any kind of order I put it down as I found it you may want to do a name search, you may also note this information comes from the official recorders of the Union and Confederate Armies which is housed at the State University of Ohio.
STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Jesse W. Moon, .
I curfewed that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for said country and State, Jesse W. Moon, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is a sergeant of Company F of the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry; that about the 3rd or 4th day of November last past, as near as this deponent can remember, he was sent by the order of General Mason, through Major Skiles, to the Ohio penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein. Deponent had a note from General Mason to Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, informing said warden who he was and directing said warden to admit him. This note contained no orders or instructions as to the duty of this deponent. Deponent's instructions were received verbally from General Mason. They were as follows: That this deponent was to lock up said rebel prisoners in their cells at night and unlock said cells in the morning, to take said prisoners to their meals, and to purchase such things for them as were allowed, tobacco or stationery (for anything else an order form the surgeon, Doctor Bailey, was necessary), to see to the rations of said prisoners, and see that they drew them regularly every ten days. General Mason also directed deponent to have on eye to the guard on the outside wall of said penitentiary, that they performed their duty faithfully, although there was another sergeant of that guard, and this despondent's principal duty was the charge of the guards inside of the said penitentiary. Deponent was not instructed to sweep the cells occupied by said prisoners or to have them sweep. Said warden gave this deponent instructions when he first went to said penitentiary how to lock and unlock the cells, what articles said prisoners were allowed, and so forth. Said warden afterward form time to time cautioned this deponent to be careful. When said prisoners wanted anything not allowed by the orders, for instance, whey they wanted their clothes or boots mended, deponent was in the habit of applying to said Merion, the warden as aforesaid, for his permission. Some times said warden would give his permission, and at other times refuse it.
J. W. MOON,
Sergeant, Company F, Eighty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of John A. Gonce.
I certify that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for said county and State, John A. Gonce, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that the is a sergeant of Company C of the Ninth Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry; that about the 1st of October last this deponent was sent by the verbal order of Major Skiles to take charge of the outside guard at the Ohio penitentiary, said other order being given to this deponent through Sergeant Horne. Deponent never received any instructions in writing. Sergeant Lewis, who preceded this deponent, gave deponent the orders verbally, which were in force, and related to the positing of the guard. Deponent had at that time nothing to do with the inside of said penitentiary. About the 1st of November last deponent was placed in charge of the whole guard of said penitentiary, and has been acting in that capacity since that time, and posted the guard inside of said penitentiary. Deponent had nothing to do with sweeping, cleaning, or inspecting the cells of the rebel prisoners in said penitentiary, or guarding the prisoners to and from their meals. Deponent considered the said rebel prisoners under the charge of the said Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, and that this deponent was as much under the orders of said Merion, warden as aforesaid, in regard to all control or guarding of said rebel prisoners, as he was under the orders of Major Skiles, if not more.
JOHN A. GONCE,
Sergeant, Company C, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Robert Lamb.
I certify on honor that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for the country of Franklin and State of Ohio, Robert Lamb, who being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is captain of Company F, of the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry; that he was present at the Ohio penitentiary, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, morning, the 28th day of November last, in company with General George B. Wright, Lieutenant Mark W. Goss, and Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, at which time a conversation was had as to the escape of General John Morgan, in which conversation the said Merion, warden as aforesaid, stated that it would never have occurred if the cells had been swept out daily. Lieutenant Goss inquired, "Why the sweeping dispensed with?" Said warden replied, "One of the directors said let the God-named rebels clean their own cells; "and that thereupon Mr. Heavy, the prison guard who had charge of that duty, was notified to stop it, and the prisoners were told they must sweep for themselves. Deponent further says that he was present at the examination of Sergeant Moon by Colonel Wallace, and said Moon's answers were, in effect, that he was sent to the penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein; that he, Moon, had received no orders to clean, sweep, or inspect the cells occupied by said rebel prisoners from General Mason or any of this staff; that he, Moon, had no authority or control over said prisoners, except as ordered by the warden of said penitentiary, and that the guard placed at the said penitentiary were entirely subject to said warden's orders.
ROBERT LAMB,
Captain Company F, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
Aide-de-Camp to Colonel William Wallace, Commanding U. S. Forces, Columbus, Ohio.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Mark W. Goss.
I certify that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for the country of Franklin and State of Ohio, Mark W. Goss, who, being by me duty sworn, deposes and says that he is first lieutenant in Company K of the Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; that he was present at the Ohio penitentiary, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday morning, 28th day of November, 1863, in company with General George B. Wright, Captain Robert Lamb, and Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, at which time a conversation was had as to the escape of General John Morgan, in which conversation the said Merion, warden as aforesaid, stated that it would never have occurred "if the cells had been swept out daily". Deponent inquired, "Why the sweeping was dispensed with?" Said warden replied, "One of the directors said let the God-named rebels clean their own cells"; and that thereupon Mr. Heavy, the prison guard who had charge of that duty, was notified to stop it, and the prisoners were told they must sweep for themselves. Deponent further says that he was present at the examination of Sergeant Moon by Colonel Wallace, and said Moon's answers were, in effect, that he was sent to the penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein; that he, Moon, had received no orders to clean, sweep, or inspect the cell occupied by said rebel prisoners from General Mason or any of his staff; that he, Moon, had no authority or control over said prisoners, except as ordered by the warden of said penitentiary, and that the guard placed at the said penitentiary was entirely subject to said warden's orders.
M. W. GOSS,
First Lieutenant Company K, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry,
on duty as Aide-de-Camp at Hdqrs. U. S. Forces, Columbus, Ohio.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of John W. Skiles.
I certify that no this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in aforesaid county, John W. Skiles, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is major of the Eighty-eight Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and provost-marshal of the city of Columbus, Ohio, and that about 20th of November, 1863, this deponent was in conversation with General Mason and that Nathaniel Merion, warden of the Ohio penitentiary, approached. This deponent asked the question of said warden if the could not lessen the guard on the outer wall, that we were had pressed for duty men. Merion replied that if he was to be held responsible for the safety of the rebel officers he could not spare any men. General Mason at once agree that none of the men should be relieved. Deponent further says that all details of guards for said prison were ordered by me, verbally, to report to said Marion for instructions.
JOHN W. SKILES,
Major Eighty-eighth Ohio Vol. Infantry, Provost-Marshal City of Columbus.
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Note. There was some confession by the military command as rather it was legal or not to send a military prisoner to a U. S. Penitentiary or not. It was stated by the Supreme Court that it was legal for the President to do so if the sentence was for life or death. It was also found out later that it was legal to send any military man to a U. S. Penitentiary for lesser crimes.
PENITENTIARY OF VIRGINIA, November 18, 1863.
JOSEPH SHUMAN AND AMANDUS E. LUDWIG.
Upon an indictment for felony.
Joseph Shumand and Amandus E. Ludwig, late of the county of Botetourt, who stand indicted for felony, were led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court, sand thereupon the prisoners were arraigned and pleaded jointly not guilty to the indictment and for their trial put themselves upon the country. And thereupon came twenty-four persons duly summoned according to law, who were examined by the court and found to be free from exceptions and lawfully qualified to serve as jurors, and from the panel of twenty-four persons, the prisoners having struck off eight of the names thereof, the following jury was selected from the remaining sixteen by lot, to wit: Marcus D. McCluer, George W. Dillon, Alexander Fellers, John Layman, Philip Loop, Moses Watkins, George Zimmerman, Sr., John Rader, Elijah Harris, Joel Burger, Michael Graybill, and Samuel Burger, Jr., who were elected, tried, and sworn the truth of and upon the premises to speak, ad there not being time to complete the trial the jury were adjourned over till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock, and Lewis Linkenhoker, sheriff of this county, and James Rowland, deputy sheriff, were sworn according to law to keep the jury together and not to permit any person to have any communication with them till they should return to court in the morning. Thereupon the prisoners were remanded to jail and the court adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
Note. The information on these two men is to long to put here, however if you would like a copy let me know and one will be provided.
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Extract from a letter from Lieutenant L. D. Holloway, prisoner of war confined in the Ohio penitentiary, to his mother.
OHIO PENITENTIARY, CELL Numbers 27,
Columbus, October 22, 1863.
DEAR MOTHER: * * * Your letter finds me in good health. I have a good appetite and have never been sick a moment since I have been here and trust in God that my good health may continue. I am becoming quite fond of my cell, and in fact, this finding of being a prisoner is not half as bad as you might imagine. Here I can write home and receive letters from you all, which I could not do if I was not a prisoner. I can eat as much as I want and no limit to sleeping. Can keep warm, dry, and clean, read my Bible, sing in a whisper and pray for myself, my family, friends, and enemies, and all these things should make one who was been exposed to cold and rain, and often hungry and worn out for sleep, with other cares and duties crowding on him, quite pleasant for a time. * * *
L. D. HOLLOWAY.
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Extract from a letter from G. M. Coleman, a prisoner of war confined in the Ohio penitentiary, to his brother.
OHIO PENITENTIARY, Columbus, Ohio, October 22, 1863.
DEAR BROTHER: * * * You hopes that we were kindly treated. I don't think we have any just cause of complaint. Our confinement is strong and close; otherwise we are treated as well as prisoners generally are. We are fed plentifully on army rations or its equivalent and are allowed to purchase good warm citizens' clothes. Our quarters are kept clean and nice. Our means of exercise are rather limited, but notwithstanding that we are in the enjoyment of robust health. There are seventy officers, including General Morgan, confine in this institution. We have been here eighty-odd days and no death occurred amongst us, not but two cases of serious illness. Those two recovered some time since. * * *
G. M. COLEMAN.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 19, 1862.
Ordered, That Thomas J. Clay, now a prisoner of war at Columbus, Ohio, be delivered into the custody of Thomas Smith, esq., Third street, Louisville, Ky., for safe-keeping during the war and subject to the order of this Department. His Excellency the Governor of Ohio, having charge of the prisoners of war at Columbus, will please execute this order.
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GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 283.
Washington, June 12, 1865.
In compliance with General Orders, Numbers 98, War Department, Adjutant-General-General's Office, May 27, 1865, the sentences of the following-named prisoners, now in confinement for "during the war, "are remitted, and the prisoners will be immediately discharged upon taking the oath of allegiance:
ALBANY PENITENTIARY.
1. John R. H. Embert, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinment at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
2. Samuel B. Hearn, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinement at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
3. Braxton Lyon, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinement at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
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Secretary of War.
Now, therefore, in accordance with said telegram, William A. Bowles, Lambdin P. Milligan, and Stephen Horsey, citizens of the State of Indiana, will be confined at hard labor during the terms of their and each of their natural lives, at the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio. The president will be sent under guard to said penitentiary with a copy of this order, together with said General Orders, Nos. 27 and 37, current series, from these headquarters. Lieutenant Colonel John H. Gardiner, Seventeenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, commanding post, Indianapolis, Ind., will cause this sentence to be executed.
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RICHMOND, January 7, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel JOHN E. MULFORD, Assistant Agent of Exchange:
SIR: Some time ago Johnson S. Palmer, an inoffensive citizen of Loudoun County, Va., was tried by some sort of a Federal tribunal and sentenced to the penitentiary at Albany. Mr. Palmer's offense, it seems, was that he carried cattle and other articles from his county to Richmond for sale. now notify you that one Charles Thompson, who for some time past has been a citizen prisoner, has this day been put in the penitentiary at Richmond in retaliation. When Mr. Palmer is released Mr. Thompson will be discharged.
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COURT- MARTIAL ORDERS,
ADJUTANT- GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 601.
Washington, November 3, 1865.
I. In the case of John H. Winston, citizen, sentenced by a military commission "that he be imprisoned for the period of five years at hard labor, with ball and chain, at such place as the commanding general may direct," as promulgated in General Orders, Numbers 70, head-quarters Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo., May 12, 1864, and now undergoing execution of sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City, Mo., in view of the circumstances connected with the case, and upon the recommendation of the Judge- Advocate- General, the prisoner will be released from confinement upon taking the oath of allegiance.
II. In the case of Samuel L. Winston, citizen, sentenced by a military commission "to be confined at hard labor for the period of ten years in such prison as the commanding general may direct,' as promulgated in General Orders, No. 127, headquarters Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo., July 21, 1864, and now undergoing execution of sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City, Mo., in view of the circumstnces connected with the case, and upon the recommendation of the Judge- Advocate- General, the prisoner will be released from confinement upon taking the oath of allegiance.
By order of the Secretary of War:
4. In the case of Mary E. Surratt, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except as to reciving, entertaining, harboring, and concealing Samuel Arnold and Michael O'Laughlin, and except as to combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except as to combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Adn the commission does, therefore, sentence her the ssaid Mary E. Surratt, to be hung by the neck until she be dead, at such time and place as the President of the United States shall direct, two-thirds of the members of the commission concurring therein.
5. In the case of Michael O'Laughlin, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduce, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except the words thereof as follows: "And in the further prosecution of the conspiracy aforesaid, and of its murderous and treasonable purposes aforesaid, on the nights of the 13th and 14th of April, A. D. 1865, at Washington City, and within the military department and military lines aforesaid, the said Michael O'Laughlin did then and there lie in wait for Ulysses S. Grant, then lieutenant-general and commander of the Armies of the United States, with intent then and there to kill and murder the said Ulysses S. Grant;" of said words not guily, and except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Adn the commission does, therefore, sentence him, the said Michael O'ALaughlin, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
6. In the case of Edward Spangler, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, not guilty, except as to the words, "The said Edward Spangler, on said 14th day of April, A. D. 1865, at about the same hour of thsat day, as aforesaid, wothin sasid military department and the military lines aforesaid, did aid and abet him (meaning John Wilkes Booth) in making his escape after the said Araham Lincoln had been murdered inmanner aforesadi;" and of these words, guilty.
Of the charge,not guilty, but guilty of having feloniously and traitorously aided and abetted
ohn Wilkes Booth in making his escape after having killed and murdered Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, he the sasid Edward said Abraham Lincoln, Presidnet, as aforesaid, had been murdered by the said John Wilkes Booth, as aforesaid.
And the commission does, therefore, sentence him, the ssaid Edward Spangler, to be confined at hard labor for the paried of six years, at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
7. In the case of Samuel Arnold, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specificastion, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
And the commission does, therfore, sentence him, the sasid Samuel Arnold, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life, at such penitentiary as the President of the United Sstates shall designate.
8. In the case of Samuel A. Mudd, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty; and except receiving, entertaining, harboring, and concealing Lewis Payne, John H. surratt, Michael O'Laughlin, George A. Atzerodt, Mary E. surratt, and Samuel Arnold; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
And the commission does, therefore, sentence him the ssaid Samuel A. Mudd, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life, at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, July 5, 1865.
The foregoing sentences in the cases of David E. Herold, George A. Atzerodt, Lewir Payne, Michael O'Laughlin, Edward Spangler, Samuel Arnold, Mary E. Surratt, and Samuel A. Mudd are hereby approved, and it is ordered that the sentences in the cases of David E. Herold, G. A. Atzerodt, Lewis Payne, and Mary E. Surratt be carried into execution by the proper military authority, under the direction of the Secretary of War, on the 7th day of July, 1865, between the hours of 10 o'clock a. m. and 2 o'clock p. m. of that day. It is furhter ordered that the prisoners, Samuel Arnold, Sasmuel A. Mudd, Edward Spangler, and Michael O'Laughlin, be confined at hard labor in the penitentiary at Albany, N. Y., during the period designated in their respective sentences.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, BUREAU OF MILITARY JUSTICE,
June 29, 1865.
The PRESIDENT:
The following report of the opinion of this Bureau upon the proceedings at the trial by military commission of certain persons charged with conspiring to liberate rebel prisoners of war confined in Chicago and to destroy and sack that city is respectfully submitted: The commission began its sessions on the 11th of January, 1865. The prisoners arraigned before if were: Charles Walsh, Buckner S. Morris, Vincent Marmaduke, R. T. Semmes, Charles T. Daniel alias Cahrles Travis, G. St. Leger Grenfel, and Benjamin M. Anderson. Walsh was convicted and sentenced to five years' penitentiary confinement; Morris and Marmaduke were acquitted by the commission; Semmes was convicted and sentenced to three years' imprisonment; Daniel escaped from confinement during the trial, but was, notwithstanding, convicted and sentenced to death; Anderson committed suicide in prison, and Grenfel was convicted and condemned to death. General Hooker approves the proceedings in all the cases, and in those of Daniel and Grnefel refers the proceedings ofr the action of the President. He designates the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio, as the place of confinement of the prisoners Walsh and Semmes. In the case of Walsh a separate report has been rendered unnecessary. In the case of Semmes a special report upon his application for pardon was prepared in this Bureau on the 6th of June and has been submitted to the President.
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RICHMOND, March 14, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN E. MULFORD, Assistant Agent of Exchange:
SIR: Some time ago you released and delivered under our agreement three inmates from the Albany penitentiary. I understand there is another Confederate soldier in said penitentiary who stood in precisely the same situation as the three you have delivered. His name is Hammond Claude, a private in Company C, First Maryland Cavalry. He was tried as a spy and acquitted, but was sent to the Albany penitentiary. Such was the case of the tree parties (Embert, Lyon, and Hearn) whom you have delivered. Why is a distinction made between them and Claude? Will you not deliver him in compliance with our agreement?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
RO. OULD,
Agent of Exchange.
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STATE OF OHIO, Franklin County.
Milo H. Scott, of the city of Columbus, Franklin County, State of Ohio, being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: I am one of the guards employed within the Ohio penitentiary by Nathaniel Merion, the warden thereof, and for a time previous to the 4th of November, 1863, my special duty was the care and control, under the directions of said warden of the rebel General John H. Morgan and other rebel officers therein confined. I unlocked their cells in the morning, conducted them to their meals, overlooked the sweeping and cleaning of said cells by the party of State convicts employed for that purpose, remained with said prisoners during the day, locked them in their cells at night, and reported their number and condition at the guard-room of said penitentiary every night. On the morning of said 4th of November, 1863, I went to the office of said penitentiary, saw the warden, Merion, who told me that the military authorities at Columbus had taken the charge of said rebel prisoners, and that he, the warden, was no longer to manage or guard them, and gave me to understand that I should not be needed longer, as the military were that day to send one or two sergeants who were to attend to them and discharge generally the duty I had therefore engaged in. Said warden, however, further told me that he thought the sergeants appointed to take charge of said prisoners would not understand precisely the mode of management and care necessary to be taken with said prisoners in uncloaking them for their cells, and locking them up; and said that I had better go with them and keep them for a while, until they learned said duties and the usual mode of discharging them. Soon afterward one of the sergeants (Moon by name) came to that part of the prison where said prisoners were confined, stated he was to take charge of them, and I then gave him all the instructions I could as to the general care and control of said prisoners, locking and unlocking their cells, conducting them to their meals, and gave up charge of said prisoners to him. The next morning, I think it was, another sergeant came (Gonce by name, I think) and assisted said Moon in the care of the prisoners. I continued with them a few days, until I thought they were sufficiently acquainted with their duties, when I was employed by said warden in other places. I had, however, the duty assigned me of overseeing the convicts detailed to take down and cleanse the night buckets and bring in coal for fires, and was thus obliged often to pass into the hall where said prisoners were in the daytime, but had no authority or control over them, nor said had my guard of said prison. Frequently one of said sergeant (Gonce) would come lat in the morning or be entirely absent, and then sometimes I aided said Moon in locking and unlocking said cells.
Affiant further says that previous to his being assigned to the charge of said prisoners he served as night watch in said penitentiary. The duty of said night watch is once in two during the night to pass around the range of cells noiselessly, wearing only their slippers, and with a lamp in the hand, held close to the granting of the cells door, to see if the prisoners is within and quiet. Everything about said halls and cells is kept very quiet and still, and the least jar or noise is most distinct, and affiant believes that it would be impossible for any prisoners or convict in any of said cells to saw, dig, pound, scrape, or attempt anything of the sort in the nighttime without being immediately heard and disproved by said night watch and night guard. And further this affiant saith not.
MILO H. SCOTT.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Jess E. Waston, of the city of Columbus, Franklin Country, State of Ohio, being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: I am one of the guards of the Ohio penitentiary, situate at Columbus, and since about the 1st of October, 1863, have been assigned to duty as night watch. The duty of said night watch is as follows: He goes in about 5 o'clock p. m. after the prisoners are all locked in their cells, and passing around with a light inspects each cell through the grated door, seeing the occupant is within, and, counting the number, reports the same at the guard-room of the penitentiary. Shortly after 6 o'clock p. m. he passes round again and directs the filling of the water buckets of the prisoners through the bars of the cell door. At 9 o'clock he again passes round to direct that the prisoners' light in cells all to be extinguished. At 11 o'clock p. m., 2 o'clock a. m., and 4 o'clock a. m. he again passes round quietly with a light in his hand, which he holds close to the cell door, to see if the convict is within and quiet, and counting the number thus seen each time. The rest of the time during the night, until the hour of 6 o'clock a. m., is spent in the halls about the blocks of the cells, walking about and watching generally, the guard or watch being in said halls constantly. On the night of November 27, 1863, I went on duty as usual at 5 o'clock p. m. My place has been, since acting as night watch, the most easterly bock of cells, in the south side of which the rebel General John H. Morgan and the other rebel officers were confined. On the night aforesaid I discharged the usual routine of duties as above described. I counted the said rebel prisoners at the first round, reported the number, found it correct, gave them their water at the usual time, ordered lights out, seeing them each one in his cell at the time, made by usual round with the lamp at 11 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and 4 o'clock, found everything as usual in cell, counted, as I supposed, a man in each of said rebel cells, heard no noise or disturbance of any sort soever, and it was not until the day guards came in the morning of November 28 that I even imagined that the said rebel prisoners were not safety in their cells. I afterward saw in their beds, in said cells, stuffed images which had been placed therein to deceive me and which, in my rounds, I had mistaken for the men themselves wrapped up in their bedclothes. Everything was very quiet all the night of said November 27. Entire stillness almost prevails about said cells and halls during the night, and the least noise or jar is instinctly heard anywhere in the hall, and it would be impossible, I think, for any prisoners to cut, saw, dig, pound, scrape, or attempt anything of that kind without being immediately heard and discovered by the night watch, and that it was perfectly impossible for said rebel prisoners to have excavated the holes in their cells floors which they did dig, in any of them during the night season, when I was on duty as aforesaid, without being heard and discovered by me. And I further declare that, during all the time I so watched them at night, as aforesaid, I never heard any noise of such digging or discovered anything about them or their behavior in their cells at night to create suspicion or even to arouse extra attention. And further this affiant saith not.
JESSE E. WATSON.
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Note. It was my wish to put a lot more information here but as you can see some of these reports can be very long, more then I got space for so I have put together a list of penitentiaries with the name that can be found within them.
Each man named here will have a report on him, and some can be many pages long. If you see a ancestor here and would like his information, you can get it by just asking. You can find my address in my profile. The names here are not just Military but civilians as well.
Important note. When asking for a name please give Name, Penitentiary and page number, as the search, does not call the name up all the time and I will need a place to start from.
Penitentiary.
Albany New York.
Samuel P. B. Hearn-p. 115
Braxto Lyon-p. 115
William H. Rogers or Rodgers-p. 115
John R. H. Embert-p. 115
Benjamin B. Harris-p. 632-3
Philip Trammell-p. 1113
Samuel Arnold-p.700
Samuel A. Mudd-p.700
Edward Spangler-p.700
Michael O’Laughin-p. 700
Alton.
David H. Wherrit-p. 1040
John D. Chadwick-p. 238
Francis E. Whitfield-p. 238
Colonel John H. Winston-p. 87
Albert W. Cushman-p. 1066
Columbus.
Richard T. Semmes-p. 664
Charles Walsh-p. 664
Buckner S. Morris-p. 664
Vincent Marmaduke-p. 664
Charles T. Daniel-p. 664
G. St. Leger Grenfel-p. 664
Benjamin M. Anderson-p. 664
Colonel B. W. Duke-p. 888
Stephen Horsey-p. 588
R. T. Semmes-p. 573
Robert J. Breckinridge-p. 390
Basil W. Duke-953
Ohio.
General J. H. Morgan-p. 347
Captain M. D. Logan-p. 347
Lieutenant W. P. Crow-p.347
Lieut. Colonel James B. McCreary-p. 347
Captain B. A. Tracy-p. 347
Richmond.
Captain William Gramm-p. 1
Lieutenant Isaac A. Wade-p. 1
Daniel Dusky-p. 1
Jacob Varner-p. 1
Isaac Goble-p.407
David V. Auxier-p. 407
Samuel Pack-p.407
William S. Dils-p.407
John W. Howe-p.407
Nashville Tenn.
J. B. Heiskell-p. 380
Captain M. S. Royce-p. 19
Captain Frank Battle-p.23
Salisbury N. C.
Captain Edward E. Chase-p.955
San, Quentin Ca.
Esward A. Swain-p. 902
T. E. Hogg-p. 753
John S. Hiddle-p. 753
W. L. Black-p. 753
T. J. Grady-p. 753
R. B. Lyon-p. 753
Joseph Higgin-p.753
Washington.
Captain Daniel Dusky-p. 227
Lieutenant Jacob Varner -p. 227
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Department or the interior, report No. 1157.
Penitentiary of the District of Columbia.
There were 332, prisoners in this penitentiary at the time of this report of October, 1862.
Those being housed were Men, Women, Boys, Military men and Negro’s men & women.
The information here is very good, but it will be hard to find your ancestor as they only give initials only no full names. I will give a example on what the information would look like, and if you would like and try to find a ancestor I will help you to find him or her.
Example.
Name. J. T. W
When received, Aug. 16, 1853.
Sex and color, White man.
Where born, District of Columbia.
Age, 19.
Where convicted, Washington, D. C.
No. of convictions, 1.
Crime, Arson.
Term of sentence, 12, years.
Employment at prison, Shoemaker.
When discharged, Still confined.
Note. The following information will not be in any kind of order I put it down as I found it you may want to do a name search, you may also note this information comes from the official recorders of the Union and Confederate Armies which is housed at the State University of Ohio.
STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Jesse W. Moon, .
I curfewed that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for said country and State, Jesse W. Moon, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is a sergeant of Company F of the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry; that about the 3rd or 4th day of November last past, as near as this deponent can remember, he was sent by the order of General Mason, through Major Skiles, to the Ohio penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein. Deponent had a note from General Mason to Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, informing said warden who he was and directing said warden to admit him. This note contained no orders or instructions as to the duty of this deponent. Deponent's instructions were received verbally from General Mason. They were as follows: That this deponent was to lock up said rebel prisoners in their cells at night and unlock said cells in the morning, to take said prisoners to their meals, and to purchase such things for them as were allowed, tobacco or stationery (for anything else an order form the surgeon, Doctor Bailey, was necessary), to see to the rations of said prisoners, and see that they drew them regularly every ten days. General Mason also directed deponent to have on eye to the guard on the outside wall of said penitentiary, that they performed their duty faithfully, although there was another sergeant of that guard, and this despondent's principal duty was the charge of the guards inside of the said penitentiary. Deponent was not instructed to sweep the cells occupied by said prisoners or to have them sweep. Said warden gave this deponent instructions when he first went to said penitentiary how to lock and unlock the cells, what articles said prisoners were allowed, and so forth. Said warden afterward form time to time cautioned this deponent to be careful. When said prisoners wanted anything not allowed by the orders, for instance, whey they wanted their clothes or boots mended, deponent was in the habit of applying to said Merion, the warden as aforesaid, for his permission. Some times said warden would give his permission, and at other times refuse it.
J. W. MOON,
Sergeant, Company F, Eighty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of John A. Gonce.
I certify that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for said county and State, John A. Gonce, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that the is a sergeant of Company C of the Ninth Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry; that about the 1st of October last this deponent was sent by the verbal order of Major Skiles to take charge of the outside guard at the Ohio penitentiary, said other order being given to this deponent through Sergeant Horne. Deponent never received any instructions in writing. Sergeant Lewis, who preceded this deponent, gave deponent the orders verbally, which were in force, and related to the positing of the guard. Deponent had at that time nothing to do with the inside of said penitentiary. About the 1st of November last deponent was placed in charge of the whole guard of said penitentiary, and has been acting in that capacity since that time, and posted the guard inside of said penitentiary. Deponent had nothing to do with sweeping, cleaning, or inspecting the cells of the rebel prisoners in said penitentiary, or guarding the prisoners to and from their meals. Deponent considered the said rebel prisoners under the charge of the said Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, and that this deponent was as much under the orders of said Merion, warden as aforesaid, in regard to all control or guarding of said rebel prisoners, as he was under the orders of Major Skiles, if not more.
JOHN A. GONCE,
Sergeant, Company C, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Robert Lamb.
I certify on honor that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for the country of Franklin and State of Ohio, Robert Lamb, who being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is captain of Company F, of the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry; that he was present at the Ohio penitentiary, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, morning, the 28th day of November last, in company with General George B. Wright, Lieutenant Mark W. Goss, and Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, at which time a conversation was had as to the escape of General John Morgan, in which conversation the said Merion, warden as aforesaid, stated that it would never have occurred if the cells had been swept out daily. Lieutenant Goss inquired, "Why the sweeping dispensed with?" Said warden replied, "One of the directors said let the God-named rebels clean their own cells; "and that thereupon Mr. Heavy, the prison guard who had charge of that duty, was notified to stop it, and the prisoners were told they must sweep for themselves. Deponent further says that he was present at the examination of Sergeant Moon by Colonel Wallace, and said Moon's answers were, in effect, that he was sent to the penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein; that he, Moon, had received no orders to clean, sweep, or inspect the cells occupied by said rebel prisoners from General Mason or any of this staff; that he, Moon, had no authority or control over said prisoners, except as ordered by the warden of said penitentiary, and that the guard placed at the said penitentiary were entirely subject to said warden's orders.
ROBERT LAMB,
Captain Company F, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
Aide-de-Camp to Colonel William Wallace, Commanding U. S. Forces, Columbus, Ohio.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of Mark W. Goss.
I certify that on this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in and for the country of Franklin and State of Ohio, Mark W. Goss, who, being by me duty sworn, deposes and says that he is first lieutenant in Company K of the Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; that he was present at the Ohio penitentiary, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday morning, 28th day of November, 1863, in company with General George B. Wright, Captain Robert Lamb, and Nathaniel Merion, the warden of said penitentiary, at which time a conversation was had as to the escape of General John Morgan, in which conversation the said Merion, warden as aforesaid, stated that it would never have occurred "if the cells had been swept out daily". Deponent inquired, "Why the sweeping was dispensed with?" Said warden replied, "One of the directors said let the God-named rebels clean their own cells"; and that thereupon Mr. Heavy, the prison guard who had charge of that duty, was notified to stop it, and the prisoners were told they must sweep for themselves. Deponent further says that he was present at the examination of Sergeant Moon by Colonel Wallace, and said Moon's answers were, in effect, that he was sent to the penitentiary to act as steward to the rebel prisoners confined therein; that he, Moon, had received no orders to clean, sweep, or inspect the cell occupied by said rebel prisoners from General Mason or any of his staff; that he, Moon, had no authority or control over said prisoners, except as ordered by the warden of said penitentiary, and that the guard placed at the said penitentiary was entirely subject to said warden's orders.
M. W. GOSS,
First Lieutenant Company K, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry,
on duty as Aide-de-Camp at Hdqrs. U. S. Forces, Columbus, Ohio.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Statement of John W. Skiles.
I certify that no this 7th day of December, 1863, personally appeared before me, Frederick J. Fay, a notary public in aforesaid county, John W. Skiles, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he is major of the Eighty-eight Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and provost-marshal of the city of Columbus, Ohio, and that about 20th of November, 1863, this deponent was in conversation with General Mason and that Nathaniel Merion, warden of the Ohio penitentiary, approached. This deponent asked the question of said warden if the could not lessen the guard on the outer wall, that we were had pressed for duty men. Merion replied that if he was to be held responsible for the safety of the rebel officers he could not spare any men. General Mason at once agree that none of the men should be relieved. Deponent further says that all details of guards for said prison were ordered by me, verbally, to report to said Marion for instructions.
JOHN W. SKILES,
Major Eighty-eighth Ohio Vol. Infantry, Provost-Marshal City of Columbus.
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Note. There was some confession by the military command as rather it was legal or not to send a military prisoner to a U. S. Penitentiary or not. It was stated by the Supreme Court that it was legal for the President to do so if the sentence was for life or death. It was also found out later that it was legal to send any military man to a U. S. Penitentiary for lesser crimes.
PENITENTIARY OF VIRGINIA, November 18, 1863.
JOSEPH SHUMAN AND AMANDUS E. LUDWIG.
Upon an indictment for felony.
Joseph Shumand and Amandus E. Ludwig, late of the county of Botetourt, who stand indicted for felony, were led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court, sand thereupon the prisoners were arraigned and pleaded jointly not guilty to the indictment and for their trial put themselves upon the country. And thereupon came twenty-four persons duly summoned according to law, who were examined by the court and found to be free from exceptions and lawfully qualified to serve as jurors, and from the panel of twenty-four persons, the prisoners having struck off eight of the names thereof, the following jury was selected from the remaining sixteen by lot, to wit: Marcus D. McCluer, George W. Dillon, Alexander Fellers, John Layman, Philip Loop, Moses Watkins, George Zimmerman, Sr., John Rader, Elijah Harris, Joel Burger, Michael Graybill, and Samuel Burger, Jr., who were elected, tried, and sworn the truth of and upon the premises to speak, ad there not being time to complete the trial the jury were adjourned over till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock, and Lewis Linkenhoker, sheriff of this county, and James Rowland, deputy sheriff, were sworn according to law to keep the jury together and not to permit any person to have any communication with them till they should return to court in the morning. Thereupon the prisoners were remanded to jail and the court adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
Note. The information on these two men is to long to put here, however if you would like a copy let me know and one will be provided.
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Extract from a letter from Lieutenant L. D. Holloway, prisoner of war confined in the Ohio penitentiary, to his mother.
OHIO PENITENTIARY, CELL Numbers 27,
Columbus, October 22, 1863.
DEAR MOTHER: * * * Your letter finds me in good health. I have a good appetite and have never been sick a moment since I have been here and trust in God that my good health may continue. I am becoming quite fond of my cell, and in fact, this finding of being a prisoner is not half as bad as you might imagine. Here I can write home and receive letters from you all, which I could not do if I was not a prisoner. I can eat as much as I want and no limit to sleeping. Can keep warm, dry, and clean, read my Bible, sing in a whisper and pray for myself, my family, friends, and enemies, and all these things should make one who was been exposed to cold and rain, and often hungry and worn out for sleep, with other cares and duties crowding on him, quite pleasant for a time. * * *
L. D. HOLLOWAY.
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Extract from a letter from G. M. Coleman, a prisoner of war confined in the Ohio penitentiary, to his brother.
OHIO PENITENTIARY, Columbus, Ohio, October 22, 1863.
DEAR BROTHER: * * * You hopes that we were kindly treated. I don't think we have any just cause of complaint. Our confinement is strong and close; otherwise we are treated as well as prisoners generally are. We are fed plentifully on army rations or its equivalent and are allowed to purchase good warm citizens' clothes. Our quarters are kept clean and nice. Our means of exercise are rather limited, but notwithstanding that we are in the enjoyment of robust health. There are seventy officers, including General Morgan, confine in this institution. We have been here eighty-odd days and no death occurred amongst us, not but two cases of serious illness. Those two recovered some time since. * * *
G. M. COLEMAN.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 19, 1862.
Ordered, That Thomas J. Clay, now a prisoner of war at Columbus, Ohio, be delivered into the custody of Thomas Smith, esq., Third street, Louisville, Ky., for safe-keeping during the war and subject to the order of this Department. His Excellency the Governor of Ohio, having charge of the prisoners of war at Columbus, will please execute this order.
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GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 283.
Washington, June 12, 1865.
In compliance with General Orders, Numbers 98, War Department, Adjutant-General-General's Office, May 27, 1865, the sentences of the following-named prisoners, now in confinement for "during the war, "are remitted, and the prisoners will be immediately discharged upon taking the oath of allegiance:
ALBANY PENITENTIARY.
1. John R. H. Embert, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinment at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
2. Samuel B. Hearn, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinement at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
3. Braxton Lyon, now or late of the so-called Confederate Army.
CHARGE I: Acting as a spy.
CHARGE II: Violation of the laws of war, as laid down in paragraph 86 of General Orders, Numbers 100, from the War Department, April 24, 1863.
FINDING: Guilty.
SENTENCE: Confinement at hard labor in the Albany penitentiary during the war.
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Secretary of War.
Now, therefore, in accordance with said telegram, William A. Bowles, Lambdin P. Milligan, and Stephen Horsey, citizens of the State of Indiana, will be confined at hard labor during the terms of their and each of their natural lives, at the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio. The president will be sent under guard to said penitentiary with a copy of this order, together with said General Orders, Nos. 27 and 37, current series, from these headquarters. Lieutenant Colonel John H. Gardiner, Seventeenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, commanding post, Indianapolis, Ind., will cause this sentence to be executed.
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RICHMOND, January 7, 1865.
Lieutenant Colonel JOHN E. MULFORD, Assistant Agent of Exchange:
SIR: Some time ago Johnson S. Palmer, an inoffensive citizen of Loudoun County, Va., was tried by some sort of a Federal tribunal and sentenced to the penitentiary at Albany. Mr. Palmer's offense, it seems, was that he carried cattle and other articles from his county to Richmond for sale. now notify you that one Charles Thompson, who for some time past has been a citizen prisoner, has this day been put in the penitentiary at Richmond in retaliation. When Mr. Palmer is released Mr. Thompson will be discharged.
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COURT- MARTIAL ORDERS,
ADJUTANT- GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Numbers 601.
Washington, November 3, 1865.
I. In the case of John H. Winston, citizen, sentenced by a military commission "that he be imprisoned for the period of five years at hard labor, with ball and chain, at such place as the commanding general may direct," as promulgated in General Orders, Numbers 70, head-quarters Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo., May 12, 1864, and now undergoing execution of sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City, Mo., in view of the circumstances connected with the case, and upon the recommendation of the Judge- Advocate- General, the prisoner will be released from confinement upon taking the oath of allegiance.
II. In the case of Samuel L. Winston, citizen, sentenced by a military commission "to be confined at hard labor for the period of ten years in such prison as the commanding general may direct,' as promulgated in General Orders, No. 127, headquarters Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo., July 21, 1864, and now undergoing execution of sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City, Mo., in view of the circumstnces connected with the case, and upon the recommendation of the Judge- Advocate- General, the prisoner will be released from confinement upon taking the oath of allegiance.
By order of the Secretary of War:
4. In the case of Mary E. Surratt, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except as to reciving, entertaining, harboring, and concealing Samuel Arnold and Michael O'Laughlin, and except as to combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except as to combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Adn the commission does, therefore, sentence her the ssaid Mary E. Surratt, to be hung by the neck until she be dead, at such time and place as the President of the United States shall direct, two-thirds of the members of the commission concurring therein.
5. In the case of Michael O'Laughlin, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduce, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except the words thereof as follows: "And in the further prosecution of the conspiracy aforesaid, and of its murderous and treasonable purposes aforesaid, on the nights of the 13th and 14th of April, A. D. 1865, at Washington City, and within the military department and military lines aforesaid, the said Michael O'Laughlin did then and there lie in wait for Ulysses S. Grant, then lieutenant-general and commander of the Armies of the United States, with intent then and there to kill and murder the said Ulysses S. Grant;" of said words not guily, and except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Adn the commission does, therefore, sentence him, the said Michael O'ALaughlin, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
6. In the case of Edward Spangler, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, not guilty, except as to the words, "The said Edward Spangler, on said 14th day of April, A. D. 1865, at about the same hour of thsat day, as aforesaid, wothin sasid military department and the military lines aforesaid, did aid and abet him (meaning John Wilkes Booth) in making his escape after the said Araham Lincoln had been murdered inmanner aforesadi;" and of these words, guilty.
Of the charge,not guilty, but guilty of having feloniously and traitorously aided and abetted
ohn Wilkes Booth in making his escape after having killed and murdered Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, he the sasid Edward said Abraham Lincoln, Presidnet, as aforesaid, had been murdered by the said John Wilkes Booth, as aforesaid.
And the commission does, therefore, sentence him, the ssaid Edward Spangler, to be confined at hard labor for the paried of six years, at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
7. In the case of Samuel Arnold, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specificastion, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
And the commission does, therfore, sentence him, the sasid Samuel Arnold, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life, at such penitentiary as the President of the United Sstates shall designate.
8. In the case of Samuel A. Mudd, the commission, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused as follows:
Of the specification, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty; and except receiving, entertaining, harboring, and concealing Lewis Payne, John H. surratt, Michael O'Laughlin, George A. Atzerodt, Mary E. surratt, and Samuel Arnold; of this, not guilty.
Of the charge, guilty, except combining, confederating, and conspiring with Edward Spangler; of this, not guilty.
And the commission does, therefore, sentence him the ssaid Samuel A. Mudd, to be imprisoned at hard labor for life, at such penitentiary as the President of the United States shall designate.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, July 5, 1865.
The foregoing sentences in the cases of David E. Herold, George A. Atzerodt, Lewir Payne, Michael O'Laughlin, Edward Spangler, Samuel Arnold, Mary E. Surratt, and Samuel A. Mudd are hereby approved, and it is ordered that the sentences in the cases of David E. Herold, G. A. Atzerodt, Lewis Payne, and Mary E. Surratt be carried into execution by the proper military authority, under the direction of the Secretary of War, on the 7th day of July, 1865, between the hours of 10 o'clock a. m. and 2 o'clock p. m. of that day. It is furhter ordered that the prisoners, Samuel Arnold, Sasmuel A. Mudd, Edward Spangler, and Michael O'Laughlin, be confined at hard labor in the penitentiary at Albany, N. Y., during the period designated in their respective sentences.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, BUREAU OF MILITARY JUSTICE,
June 29, 1865.
The PRESIDENT:
The following report of the opinion of this Bureau upon the proceedings at the trial by military commission of certain persons charged with conspiring to liberate rebel prisoners of war confined in Chicago and to destroy and sack that city is respectfully submitted: The commission began its sessions on the 11th of January, 1865. The prisoners arraigned before if were: Charles Walsh, Buckner S. Morris, Vincent Marmaduke, R. T. Semmes, Charles T. Daniel alias Cahrles Travis, G. St. Leger Grenfel, and Benjamin M. Anderson. Walsh was convicted and sentenced to five years' penitentiary confinement; Morris and Marmaduke were acquitted by the commission; Semmes was convicted and sentenced to three years' imprisonment; Daniel escaped from confinement during the trial, but was, notwithstanding, convicted and sentenced to death; Anderson committed suicide in prison, and Grenfel was convicted and condemned to death. General Hooker approves the proceedings in all the cases, and in those of Daniel and Grnefel refers the proceedings ofr the action of the President. He designates the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio, as the place of confinement of the prisoners Walsh and Semmes. In the case of Walsh a separate report has been rendered unnecessary. In the case of Semmes a special report upon his application for pardon was prepared in this Bureau on the 6th of June and has been submitted to the President.
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RICHMOND, March 14, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN E. MULFORD, Assistant Agent of Exchange:
SIR: Some time ago you released and delivered under our agreement three inmates from the Albany penitentiary. I understand there is another Confederate soldier in said penitentiary who stood in precisely the same situation as the three you have delivered. His name is Hammond Claude, a private in Company C, First Maryland Cavalry. He was tried as a spy and acquitted, but was sent to the Albany penitentiary. Such was the case of the tree parties (Embert, Lyon, and Hearn) whom you have delivered. Why is a distinction made between them and Claude? Will you not deliver him in compliance with our agreement?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
RO. OULD,
Agent of Exchange.
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STATE OF OHIO, Franklin County.
Milo H. Scott, of the city of Columbus, Franklin County, State of Ohio, being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: I am one of the guards employed within the Ohio penitentiary by Nathaniel Merion, the warden thereof, and for a time previous to the 4th of November, 1863, my special duty was the care and control, under the directions of said warden of the rebel General John H. Morgan and other rebel officers therein confined. I unlocked their cells in the morning, conducted them to their meals, overlooked the sweeping and cleaning of said cells by the party of State convicts employed for that purpose, remained with said prisoners during the day, locked them in their cells at night, and reported their number and condition at the guard-room of said penitentiary every night. On the morning of said 4th of November, 1863, I went to the office of said penitentiary, saw the warden, Merion, who told me that the military authorities at Columbus had taken the charge of said rebel prisoners, and that he, the warden, was no longer to manage or guard them, and gave me to understand that I should not be needed longer, as the military were that day to send one or two sergeants who were to attend to them and discharge generally the duty I had therefore engaged in. Said warden, however, further told me that he thought the sergeants appointed to take charge of said prisoners would not understand precisely the mode of management and care necessary to be taken with said prisoners in uncloaking them for their cells, and locking them up; and said that I had better go with them and keep them for a while, until they learned said duties and the usual mode of discharging them. Soon afterward one of the sergeants (Moon by name) came to that part of the prison where said prisoners were confined, stated he was to take charge of them, and I then gave him all the instructions I could as to the general care and control of said prisoners, locking and unlocking their cells, conducting them to their meals, and gave up charge of said prisoners to him. The next morning, I think it was, another sergeant came (Gonce by name, I think) and assisted said Moon in the care of the prisoners. I continued with them a few days, until I thought they were sufficiently acquainted with their duties, when I was employed by said warden in other places. I had, however, the duty assigned me of overseeing the convicts detailed to take down and cleanse the night buckets and bring in coal for fires, and was thus obliged often to pass into the hall where said prisoners were in the daytime, but had no authority or control over them, nor said had my guard of said prison. Frequently one of said sergeant (Gonce) would come lat in the morning or be entirely absent, and then sometimes I aided said Moon in locking and unlocking said cells.
Affiant further says that previous to his being assigned to the charge of said prisoners he served as night watch in said penitentiary. The duty of said night watch is once in two during the night to pass around the range of cells noiselessly, wearing only their slippers, and with a lamp in the hand, held close to the granting of the cells door, to see if the prisoners is within and quiet. Everything about said halls and cells is kept very quiet and still, and the least jar or noise is most distinct, and affiant believes that it would be impossible for any prisoners or convict in any of said cells to saw, dig, pound, scrape, or attempt anything of the sort in the nighttime without being immediately heard and disproved by said night watch and night guard. And further this affiant saith not.
MILO H. SCOTT.
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STATE OF OHIO, County of Franklin.
Jess E. Waston, of the city of Columbus, Franklin Country, State of Ohio, being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: I am one of the guards of the Ohio penitentiary, situate at Columbus, and since about the 1st of October, 1863, have been assigned to duty as night watch. The duty of said night watch is as follows: He goes in about 5 o'clock p. m. after the prisoners are all locked in their cells, and passing around with a light inspects each cell through the grated door, seeing the occupant is within, and, counting the number, reports the same at the guard-room of the penitentiary. Shortly after 6 o'clock p. m. he passes round again and directs the filling of the water buckets of the prisoners through the bars of the cell door. At 9 o'clock he again passes round to direct that the prisoners' light in cells all to be extinguished. At 11 o'clock p. m., 2 o'clock a. m., and 4 o'clock a. m. he again passes round quietly with a light in his hand, which he holds close to the cell door, to see if the convict is within and quiet, and counting the number thus seen each time. The rest of the time during the night, until the hour of 6 o'clock a. m., is spent in the halls about the blocks of the cells, walking about and watching generally, the guard or watch being in said halls constantly. On the night of November 27, 1863, I went on duty as usual at 5 o'clock p. m. My place has been, since acting as night watch, the most easterly bock of cells, in the south side of which the rebel General John H. Morgan and the other rebel officers were confined. On the night aforesaid I discharged the usual routine of duties as above described. I counted the said rebel prisoners at the first round, reported the number, found it correct, gave them their water at the usual time, ordered lights out, seeing them each one in his cell at the time, made by usual round with the lamp at 11 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and 4 o'clock, found everything as usual in cell, counted, as I supposed, a man in each of said rebel cells, heard no noise or disturbance of any sort soever, and it was not until the day guards came in the morning of November 28 that I even imagined that the said rebel prisoners were not safety in their cells. I afterward saw in their beds, in said cells, stuffed images which had been placed therein to deceive me and which, in my rounds, I had mistaken for the men themselves wrapped up in their bedclothes. Everything was very quiet all the night of said November 27. Entire stillness almost prevails about said cells and halls during the night, and the least noise or jar is instinctly heard anywhere in the hall, and it would be impossible, I think, for any prisoners to cut, saw, dig, pound, scrape, or attempt anything of that kind without being immediately heard and discovered by the night watch, and that it was perfectly impossible for said rebel prisoners to have excavated the holes in their cells floors which they did dig, in any of them during the night season, when I was on duty as aforesaid, without being heard and discovered by me. And I further declare that, during all the time I so watched them at night, as aforesaid, I never heard any noise of such digging or discovered anything about them or their behavior in their cells at night to create suspicion or even to arouse extra attention. And further this affiant saith not.
JESSE E. WATSON.
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Note. It was my wish to put a lot more information here but as you can see some of these reports can be very long, more then I got space for so I have put together a list of penitentiaries with the name that can be found within them.
Each man named here will have a report on him, and some can be many pages long. If you see a ancestor here and would like his information, you can get it by just asking. You can find my address in my profile. The names here are not just Military but civilians as well.
Important note. When asking for a name please give Name, Penitentiary and page number, as the search, does not call the name up all the time and I will need a place to start from.
Penitentiary.
Albany New York.
Samuel P. B. Hearn-p. 115
Braxto Lyon-p. 115
William H. Rogers or Rodgers-p. 115
John R. H. Embert-p. 115
Benjamin B. Harris-p. 632-3
Philip Trammell-p. 1113
Samuel Arnold-p.700
Samuel A. Mudd-p.700
Edward Spangler-p.700
Michael O’Laughin-p. 700
Alton.
David H. Wherrit-p. 1040
John D. Chadwick-p. 238
Francis E. Whitfield-p. 238
Colonel John H. Winston-p. 87
Albert W. Cushman-p. 1066
Columbus.
Richard T. Semmes-p. 664
Charles Walsh-p. 664
Buckner S. Morris-p. 664
Vincent Marmaduke-p. 664
Charles T. Daniel-p. 664
G. St. Leger Grenfel-p. 664
Benjamin M. Anderson-p. 664
Colonel B. W. Duke-p. 888
Stephen Horsey-p. 588
R. T. Semmes-p. 573
Robert J. Breckinridge-p. 390
Basil W. Duke-953
Ohio.
General J. H. Morgan-p. 347
Captain M. D. Logan-p. 347
Lieutenant W. P. Crow-p.347
Lieut. Colonel James B. McCreary-p. 347
Captain B. A. Tracy-p. 347
Richmond.
Captain William Gramm-p. 1
Lieutenant Isaac A. Wade-p. 1
Daniel Dusky-p. 1
Jacob Varner-p. 1
Isaac Goble-p.407
David V. Auxier-p. 407
Samuel Pack-p.407
William S. Dils-p.407
John W. Howe-p.407
Nashville Tenn.
J. B. Heiskell-p. 380
Captain M. S. Royce-p. 19
Captain Frank Battle-p.23
Salisbury N. C.
Captain Edward E. Chase-p.955
San, Quentin Ca.
Esward A. Swain-p. 902
T. E. Hogg-p. 753
John S. Hiddle-p. 753
W. L. Black-p. 753
T. J. Grady-p. 753
R. B. Lyon-p. 753
Joseph Higgin-p.753
Washington.
Captain Daniel Dusky-p. 227
Lieutenant Jacob Varner -p. 227
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Department or the interior, report No. 1157.
Penitentiary of the District of Columbia.
There were 332, prisoners in this penitentiary at the time of this report of October, 1862.
Those being housed were Men, Women, Boys, Military men and Negro’s men & women.
The information here is very good, but it will be hard to find your ancestor as they only give initials only no full names. I will give a example on what the information would look like, and if you would like and try to find a ancestor I will help you to find him or her.
Example.
Name. J. T. W
When received, Aug. 16, 1853.
Sex and color, White man.
Where born, District of Columbia.
Age, 19.
Where convicted, Washington, D. C.
No. of convictions, 1.
Crime, Arson.
Term of sentence, 12, years.
Employment at prison, Shoemaker.
When discharged, Still confined.